Hyderabad, September 10: Tension hangs thick in the air in the Old City on the eve of Ganesh immersion post the recent communal riots in Adoni town of Kurnool district and the alleged desecration at pandals in Madannapet and Saidabad areas. “The safety scenario has changed in a span of three days,” said a civil society activist. Though Ganesh idols from across the city are immersed in the Hussainsagar, the procession from the Old City is the largest and most awaited.
Of the total 2,000-odd Ganesh idols installed in various parts of Old City, 1,000 idols would be immersed on the final procession day on September 11 in the Hussainsagar.
The city police have branded the entire South Zone of the police commissionerate as `sensitive’ this year unlike the previous years when specific areas were identified as ‘sensitive’ based on the previous history. While nearly 5,000 policemen have formed a security blanket over Old City, residents say the threat persists and anything can happen.
“Police presence could not stop the recent communal riots in Adoni, which left over a 100 people injured. The riots and the current political instability is causing tension this year in the city. Every Hyderabadi wants a peaceful life,” said an old-timer residing in the Old City. In the last three to four years, the Ganesh immersion procession in the city has however been largely peaceful.
In the wake of the bomb blast in Delhi, bomb disposal squads would be monitoring the long route of the procession from Balapur to Tank Bund on Sunday. The security apparatus put in place by police will be put to test as lakhs of people participate in it annually. “I am very apprehensive. A week ago, there was no tension. There seems to be vested interests who have been trying to create trouble.
But it is heartening to see the mature response of the people,” said Mazher Hussain, director, Cova, an NGO. However, activists say that during the procession, vulnerability increases manifold with lakhs of people on the streets. On the procession day, Cova will deploy over 50 peace volunteers to help police tackle any untoward situations.
Meanwhile, several residents of the Old City have already started stocking vegetables and groceries expecting trouble. Many are ensuring that youngsters and children do not step out of the houses. “Some mischievous elements in these processions are drunk and take steps that have a potential of disturbing the present peaceful environment,” said a resident who is a teacher.
DCP, South Zone, Vineet Brijlal said that the police are prepared for Sunday. “All security arrangements are in place and all the important points are being closely monitored,” said a confident Brijlal.
–Agencies