Security up for Maghi Mela, 4K cops on duty; help desks in place
The state police have deployed nearly 4,300 personnel besides forming teams to check snatching incidents during three-day Maghi Mela starting January 13 in Muktsar, a senior officer said on Saturday.
Fifteen help desks have also been set up for the devotees who are expected to come to the town from across the state to offer prayers at the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, which is located in the middle of the town.
Maghi Mela is observed every year to commemorate 40 ‘Muktas’ (liberated ones) who laid down their lives while fighting the Mughal forces in 1705 here.
A large number of people come here to pay obeisance at the historic gurdwara and take a dip in a holy pond.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tushar Gupta said 10 SPs and 20 DSPs from other districts will also remain stationed during the fair.
“I appeal to the local residents and devotees to inform us if they face any problem. We have formed an anti-snatcher team. Besides, we have set up 15 police help desks for them,” he said.
Meanwhile, an exhibition polo match was played at Muktsar’s Lambi Dhabh village on Guru Har Sahai road. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring’s son Amaan too played the match.
This two-day event is being organised by Chandigarh Polo Club and Punjab Horse Show.
A livestock market has also been set up at the village, where a large number of breeders have brought their horses, dogs and other animals.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) led by former Lok Sabha MP Simranjit Singh Mann and the supporters of Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha MP Amritpal Singh are also set to hold political conferences on January 14 during the three-day fair.
Amritpal’s backers will be launching a political outfit, Shiromani Akali Dal (Anandpur Sahib) on the occasion.
