SOP for Durga Puja irks Cachar district BJP, writes to DC for reconsideration

Oct. 3: In view of ongoing pandemic and with a feeling to celebrate the festival of Durga Puja and considering the seriousness and reality of the pandemic situation, the Cachar District Administration on 2 October has come up with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for celebration of Durga Puja, 2020. However, there has been strong resentment from various quarters in Cachar district on the “excessive restrictions” in the said SOP.

The SOP has also invited sharp reaction from the Cachar district committee of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, Cachar, on 3 October, Kaushik Rai, President of BJP, Cachar District wrote, “Madam, as you have published standard operating procedures for Durga Puja 2020 in Cachar District, we on behalf of BJP Cachar District Committee put forward some suggestions in this regard for your consideration.”

The District BJP President raised the following points in his letter:

• Construction of temporary Puja Pandals to be allowed without disturbing traffic and road blockade.
• As idol preparation started before Mahalaya, now it is impossible to alter the size of the frame. Moreover, separate frame Idol is easy to carry for immersion.
• We request a maximum of 30 persons inclusive of organizers and priests to be allowed to gather at any time in the Puja Pandals maintaining proper social distance.
• 25 persons may be allowed for Pushpanjali and Arati maintaining proper social distance.
• We request Administration to provide CCTV to all the Puja Pandals for smooth functioning of law and order and maintaining social distance.
• Sound system may be allowed in Puja Pandals.
• Movement of two wheelers may be allowed as per traffic rule.
• We suggest to hold Thana level meeting in both Urban and Rural areas with respective Puja committees.

Also Read: DC Cachar issues SOP for celebration of Durga Puja in Cachar