No means no!

Extra cops at girls hostels

No obscenity or vulgar songs in public arena

Sensitising men through a special video

Youngsters speak

Don’t invade my space

Don’t spoil others’ day for your fun

I say no and I mean it

A splash of colours, a table laden with traditional goodies and faces smeared with gulal are all an integral part of the Holi milieu. These festivities have the power to lift your spirit, but there are some nefarious elements who use the festival as an excuse to get away with eve teasing and molestation . And if the victim complains, the general excuse given is Bura na mano, Holi hai. It’s time to raise your voice against those who try to harass you. If you feel bad, voice it and stop the perpetrator right there: This is the sentiment voiced by Nagpur police; and the Commissioner of Police Dr K Venkatesh makes it clear that eve teasers will not be spared this Holi…Quite sensitive to the plight of innocent people, especially girls, who have to bear the brunt of zealous merrymakers trying to take undue liberty, CP says, “Those who love to make a big splash on Holi must bear this in mind that when others say no, it means no. So, they better stay away. And if anyone tries to harass people on Holi, he/she will have to face the music! We are keeping tabs on all those who try to cross the thin line of decency in the name of celebration.”Taking a strict view of the situation, CP says certain pockets are more vulnerable to this kind of abuse and adds, “Extra cops are being deputed at the girls hostels, to ensure that no untoward incident takes place. Damini squads are also being deputed with lady cops in plain clothes moving around with hidden cameras. Two special companies of SRPF are also deployed in city to nab those who indulge in eve teasing.”The CP goes on to add, “I have passed a special order, which will be in effect from March 11 till March 17, wherein the use of water balloons, chemical colours, usage of vulgar songs, obscene gestures, lewd comments publicly or carrying arms and creating nuisance of any kind is strictly prohibited. Those who defy this order, will not be spared.”Nagpur police has made a special video to sensitise people against the harassment meted out to people by a few anti-social elements on Holi. CP informs, “We have shared this video, especially made for Holi by the in-charge of cyber cell, Satish Mane. This video has been shared widely with the people of Nagpur via various social media platforms. I’m sure the message will deter the troublemakers. And those who are forced in any way by anyone on Holi, must call our team right away. Just dial 100 and help will reach you. On March 13, all the senior officers will be doing the rounds of the city to ensure the safety of our people.”On one hand people talk big about the safety of women and on the other hand, they try to invade our space in the garb of a festival. My stand is very clear, don’t invade my space. Warna main toh bura manoongi and will speak against it! — Vaidehi Gotmare, Ambedkar CollegeI love to play Holi with my friends, but if any of my lady friends feel uncomfortable, I never colour them forcibly. It is not just about women, it is about anyone, who is not ready for anything. You can’t spoil others’ day for your fun! —Shaharyaar Sheikh, Tirpude CollegeSince childhood, I have a phobia of Holi and the raw force that goes along with it. And the phobia gets worse when I see some of the guys trying to misbehave with girls on this festival. You have every right to have fun, but not at others’ expense. So when I say no to colours, I mean it! You better respect that! — Simran Chawla, G S College