The Calcutta High Court has urged the government of West Bengal to request paramilitary forces from the central government in order to maintain peace during Hanuman Jayanti, which marks the birthday of the Hindu deity Hanuman. The demand comes after a series of violent incidents in Howrah and Hooghly districts during Ram Navami processions. The High Court stated that local police should hold route marches in areas where Hanuman Jayanti events will be taking place and that no rallies should take place in the regions where prohibitory orders have been issued following communal violence during and after Ram Navami. The deployment of paramilitary forces, the court added, will help to establish law and order, and improve confidence in policing. The court also suggested that the state administration boost its intelligence network, and warned against making any public statements regarding the celebration of such festivals in view of the sensitive situation.
