Dajia Mazu procession returns to Taichung; police deploy heavy forces to prevent trouble

(Central News Agency reporter Hao Hsueh-ching, Taichung, 25th) The Dajia Mazu pilgrimage returned to Taichung City early this morning. The Wuri Precinct of the Taichung City Police Bureau took over security duties for the palanquin from the Changhua County Police Bureau's Changhua Precinct. To prevent disturbances, 161 police officers and 92 civilian collaborators were deployed to assist with traffic control.

The Dajia Mazu pilgrimage entered Taichung's Dadu District early this morning, continuing north along Shatian Road. Wuri Precinct Chief Hsieh Bo-hsien led his team to take over the palanquin security duties from the Changhua Precinct.

The Wuri Precinct stated that to prevent various procession groups and gang organizations from using the pretext of '搶轎' (搶轎, literally 'scrambling for the palanquin' – a traditional, sometimes chaotic act of vying to carry the palanquin) to create trouble, heavy police forces have been deployed. A 'drone police team' was also activated for aerial patrols to fully monitor on-site dynamics, ensuring security without blind spots.

The Dajia Mazu palanquin is expected to cross into Shalu District and Qingshui District after noon. Based on the scale of devotees during previous returns, the Qingshui Precinct announced a traffic diversion plan this morning. In addition to implementing 'mobile reversible lanes' on major arterial roads in Shalu and Qingshui urban areas, police forces will be deployed during the return journey to ensure the smooth completion of the pilgrimage activities.

The Qingshui Precinct advised that due to the limited width of roads in Qingshui urban areas, general road users and drivers not participating in the event should take alternative routes in advance to avoid being caught in traffic. For long-distance cross-district driving, it is recommended to use Provincial Highway 61 (West Coast Expressway) and National Freeways 1 and 3 to bypass congested sections of the coastal urban areas.

After the palanquin stays overnight at Qingshui Chaohsing Temple, the police stated that the intersection of Zhongshan Road and Wuquan East Road will be closed. Northbound vehicles will be rerouted via Gaomei Road or Zhonghua Road to avoid the Qingshui urban section, or can take Zhongqing Road.

The Qingshui Precinct said that the police had completed prior coordination and restraint work with temples and procession groups along the route. During the return journey, officers will be assigned to continuously record video evidence. If illegal activities such as pushing or conflicts are found, they will be investigated and dealt with strictly according to law. (Edited by Li Ming-tsung) 1150425

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