Kolkata, March 26 Security has been tightened across West Bengal in preparation for Ram Navami celebrations, as approximately 3,000 police personnel will be deployed across the state to maintain law and order, a senior official said.
The carrying of weapons has also been prohibited, and the number of participants in a procession is capped at 500, he added.
"Approximately 3,000 police personnel will be deployed across the state, and no procession with more than 500 participants will be allowed," the official said on Wednesday.
"If any procession violates the prescribed norms, it will be stopped immediately, and legal action will be taken," he added.
"Vigil has been increased in sensitive areas such as Howrah, Chandannagar, and Islampur. Central forces, including CRPF, have been kept on standby and will be deployed if required," the official added.
A high-level meeting was held at the state secretariat, Nabanna, to review the security arrangements. It was attended by the chief secretary, home secretary, director general of police, ADG (law and order), and district magistrates and superintendents of police from all districts, sources said.
According to officials, Ram Navami processions are likely to be held across the state between March 26 and March 29, with the highest number of rallies expected on Thursday.
Strict instructions have been issued to district authorities to ensure that all processions are conducted in compliance with court guidelines.