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Sri Muktsar Sahib/ Chandigarh:
Ahead of the three-day Maghi Mela, Punjab Police have put in place elaborate, multi-tier security arrangements in Sri Muktsar Sahib to ensure the safety and smooth movement of lakhs of devotees expected to attend the historic religious congregation.
Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla, on Monday, personally reviewed the security, traffic, and public convenience arrangements in the holy town, days before the annual mela commemorating the martyrdom of the Chali Mukte (Forty Liberated Ones). The mela will be held from January 13 to January 15, 2026.
Accompanied by DIG Faridkot Range Nilambari Jagdale and SSP Sri Muktsar Sahib Abhimanyu Rana, the Special DGP inspected the rally venues, parking areas, temporary bus stands, Police Saanjh Help Desks, sensitive locations and security nakas set up across the city.
Police officials said the entire city has been divided into 7 security sectors, each under the supervision of a gazetted officer. More than 6,000 police personnel have been deployed to manage crowd control, law and order, traffic regulation and emergency response during the mela.
Detailing the arrangements, Special DGP Arpit Shukla said a robust surveillance grid has been created with 100 CCTV cameras installed at 37 strategic locations, supported by two dedicated drone teams for aerial monitoring of crowded and sensitive zones. A mounted police unit has also been pressed into service for effective crowd regulation and area domination.
To prevent any untoward incident, police have set up 94 nakas — 54 on the city’s outer periphery and 40 within inner areas — with strict checking orders. “A zero-tolerance approach is being followed to ensure the safety of devotees,” the Special DGP said.
Public convenience and emergency preparedness are key parts of the security plan. Police Saanjh Help Desks have been established in all seven sectors, each equipped with medical teams. Sector-wise hospitals have been earmarked, while ambulances and fire tenders have been strategically positioned to respond to medical or fire emergencies.
A special traffic management plan has also been enforced. Entry of heavy vehicles into the city has been completely prohibited, with only emergency vehicles allowed on designated routes. To manage the massive influx of pilgrims, 10 parking areas have been created on approach roads, and six temporary bus stands have been set up. For pedestrian safety, a 300-metre radius around the main Gurdwara Sahib has been declared a no-vehicle zone.
Chairing a coordination meeting with senior district officials and officers of the external force, Shukla directed all personnel to remain alert, courteous and responsive. Citizens and devotees are urged to report any suspicious activity or share vital information via the dedicated police helpline at 80542-70100. Punjab Police said the arrangements are aimed at ensuring that the Maghi Mela remains peaceful, secure and spiritually enriching for devotees arriving from across the state and beyond.
