Uttar Pradesh (Sambhal) In order to maintain law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh, on Holi (Friday) which coincides with Jumma (Friday prayers) 10 mosques in Sambhal, where 5 people died in November 2024 during after violence broke out will be covered with tarpaulin.
This includes all the mosques falling on the route of Holi procession. Notably, Shahi Jama Masjid is also included in these mosques.
The decision came after the peace committee meeting attended by Hindu as well as Muslim community members was concluded today. Both communities have come to consensus in the matter.
Similar decision in Shahjahanpur: Mosques and tombs in Shahjahanpur district will also be covered with tarpaulin on the occasion of Holi.
No Discussion On Timings Of Friday Prayers
The Shahi Jama Masjid Committee said that there has been no discussion with the police administration regarding the time of (Friday prayers) Jumme ki Namaaz on the day of Holi. The mosque committee has said that they will independently announce the time of Namaaz soon.
1015 people detained
Sambhal SDM Dr. Vandana Mishra speaking to news agency ANI said that 1015 people have been detained under Section 126 and Section 135. The administration has said that this step has been taken to maintain peace.
Allahabad High Court Directs ASI To Complete Whitewashing
Meanwhile, the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday (March 12, 2025) directed the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to undertake and complete whitewashing of the Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district within one week. After hearing counsels for the parties, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal also directed the ASI to install lights on the outer portion of the mosque.
"Sambhal existed before Islam": Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath today (12-03-2025) said “Sambhal has been mentioned in scriptures that are 5,000 years old. They contain references to Lord Vishnu’s future incarnation. Islam, on the other hand, emerged only 1,400 years ago. I am talking about something that predates Islam by at least 2,000 years,” Adityanath said.
Sambhal Circle Officer's Remarks
Days ago, after a peace committee meeting , Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary interacting with the media said, "Holi is a festival that comes once a year, whereas Friday (Jumma) prayers take place 52 times in a year. If anyone feels uncomfortable with the colours of Holi, they should stay indoors on that day."
