UP's Barsana gears up for Lathamaar Holi

Security has been beefed up in Barsana town here for the upcoming Lathamaar Holi as the chief ministers of three states, along with several of their cabinet colleagues, would attend the event, slated to be held on February 24. The influx of pilgrims this year is expected to rise manifold since the Uttar Pradesh government was making all out efforts to convert this year's Lathamaar Holi of Barsana into a memorable event and register it in the Guinness Book of World Records. "Barsana town has been divided into three zones and eight sectors, with gazetted officers in charge of each area," SSP Swapnil Mamgai said. He said, while additional SPs would be in charge of each zone, police circle officers would supervise security arrangements in each sector. A total of 12 ASP, 30 police circle officers, 25 inspectors and SHOs, 250 sub inspectors, 1300 constables, 100 traffic constables, 10 lady sub inspectors, 30 lady constables, six horse-mounted personnel and UP-PAC would be deployed in Barsana, Mamgai said, adding that police in plain clothes would also be posted at sensitive spots. Hurling of rose powder (gulal) and water balloons at women have been prohibited, he said. Any attempt to ill-treat women would invite punitive action, the SSP warned. Restrictions on entry of vehicles into Barsana would be imposed from Friday evening, SP (Traffic) Brajesh Kumar Singh said.