In anticipation of the vibrant festival of Holi, authorities in Uttar Pradesh have implemented measures to ensure communal harmony. Several mosques across districts like Aligarh, Sambhal, Bareilly, and Shahjahanpur have been covered with tarpaulin sheets. This preventive step aims to protect these religious structures from inadvertent color smearing during the festivities.
The practice of covering mosques with tarpaulin during Holi has been in place for the past 6-7 years in Uttar Pradesh. Authorities believe this measure helps avert any attempts by miscreants to incite communal tension by throwing colors on places of Islamic faith.
Authorities covered at least two mosques in Aligarh, including the Halwaaiyan mosque in the Sabzi Mandi area and another at Delhi Gate. Circle Officer (City) Abhay Pandey said they conducted a flag march in sensitive areas to promote peace and set up police pickets in the old city regions.
Similarly, in Shahjahanpur, authorities have covered around 40 mosques with plastic sheets ahead of Holi. This action aims to prevent miscreants from throwing color on these structures, thereby maintaining communal harmony.
In Sambhal, the administration has not only covered mosques with tarpaulin but also detained over 1,000 individuals as a preventive measure. These steps are part of a broader strategy to ensure peace during the Holi celebrations.
Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi urged citizens to avoid politicizing festivals and celebrate Holi with enthusiasm while respecting all communities. He stressed the need for consent before applying colors, especially to Muslims. He also advised offering ‘Jumme ki Namaaz’ in mosques unless unavoidable.
However, not everyone agrees with these preventive measures. Maulana Sajid Rashidi, President of the All India Imam Association, criticized the administration’s decision to cover mosques with tarpaulin. He condemned the order as a conspiracy against Muslims, arguing that it unfairly targets the community and is unconstitutional.
The debate highlights the delicate balance between maintaining communal harmony and addressing concerns of discrimination. While authorities implement measures to prevent potential conflicts, it’s crucial to ensure that such actions do not alienate any community.
In conclusion, as Holi approaches, Uttar Pradesh’s proactive steps to cover mosques with tarpaulin aim to foster a peaceful environment. These measures reflect a commitment to preserving the secular fabric of society during one of India’s most cherished festivals.
