Raja Warring, Charanjit Channi hold separate meetings ahead of Maghi Mela in Muktsar

A day ahead of Maghi Mela, which begins on January 13, Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and former CM Charanjit Singh Channi held separate meetings in Muktsar.

Early in the day, AICC general secretary for Punjab Bhupesh Baghel, accompanied by Warring, Ferozepur MP Sher Singh Ghubaya, ex-MLAs Davinder Ghubaya and Raminder Singh Awla, addressed a press conference at Warring’s residence before paying obeisance at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.

However, by evening, a separate group of leaders, including Channi, former ministers Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Rana Gurjeet Singh, ex-MLAs Kushaldeep Singh Kiki Dhillon and Karan Kaur Brar gathered at the residence of a local party activist and paid obeisance at the gurdwara. A number of municipal councillors who had quit the party two years ago were also present.

Though these Congress leaders were earlier scheduled to address a press conference, but they left without interacting with the media. Sources said Baghel had intervened, which led to their quiet exit.

6,000 cops deployed

Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla, who reviewed the security arrangements, said more than 6,000 police personnel had been deployed for the Maghi Mela and Muktsar city had been divided into seven sectors. Shukla said 3-5 lakh devotees would visit Muktsar daily. “Our priority is to ensure devotees face no problem and to keep anti-social elements at bay. Ninety-four nakas have been set up to provide round-the-clock security. Five drone teams and 100 CCTV cameras will monitor the city,”

he added.

Garbage-free rallies urged

With littering a major concern during Maghi Mela, a citizens’ group, People Action Force, has emailed political parties urging them to ensure garbage-free rallies.

“We have formally written to all major political parties participating in the event, urging them to refrain from littering and to ensure the site is cleaned after the conference,” said Advocate Kamal Anand.

The authorities have failed to cover several open manholes, including the one opposite a school on Bura Gujjar Road.