Lucknow: Sambhal is on the edge ahead of Holi, which falls on a Friday, coinciding with weekly namaz day during the holy month of Ramzan.
Last November’s communal clashes over Sambhal Jama Masjid are, after all, fresh in everyone’s mind.
The local administration is taking steps to ensure communal harmony is maintained during the festival of colours.
On Wednesday, Sambhal police decided to cover 10 mosques along the route of a Holi procession on March 14, including the centuries-old Jama Masjid, with plastic sheets and tarpaulins.
The decision was taken to ensure smooth proceedings for both religious events, according to police.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrishchandra informed mediapersons that all religious sites along the traditional route of the Holi procession will be covered following mutual agreement between both communities.
UP Police have detained 1,015 people in the lead-up to the festival.
“Lekhpals have been put on duty at different masjids in Sambhal. The district has been divided into sectors. We are fully prepared for Holi and will make sure it goes peacefully,” Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vandna Mishra told ANI.
Senior circle officer Anuj Kumar Chaudhary triggered a controversy recently by ‘advising’ Muslims to stay indoors during Holi as it comes only once a year.
His view was endorsed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
