Lucknow: Holi this year is on March 14. Since it’s a Friday, some are apprehending a clash with namaz prayers. Especially in sensitive areas, like Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh.
Days before the festival of colours, Sambhal remained tense keeping in mind communal clashes and violence which took place there in November, over the survey of a mosque.
Urging people to maintain communal harmony, and ensure law and order is strictly enforced, Sambhal Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary recently said that those who did not wish to participate in Holi should remain indoors.
“Holi is a festival that comes once a year, whereas Friday prayers take place 52 times in a year. If anyone feels uncomfortable with the colours of Holi, they should stay indoors on that day. Those who step out should have a broad mindset, as festivals are meant to be celebrated together,” Chaudhary said.
His suggestion raised a few furrows, but the Circle Officer received UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s backing.
“Holi comes once a year, but Friday prayers have to be read every week. It is not necessary that a person should go to the mosque. If someone has to go, then they should not have an issue with colours,” Yogi said.
No state administration can ensure that colours won’t be put on unwilling people once they venture out of their homes on the day of Holi.
But considering the November incidents in Sambhal, peace committees have been formed to promote harmony between different communities, and meetings have been going on for weeks to ensure that the festival is observed smoothly.
A heavy security cover is already in place in the city, with a traditional Rang Bhari Ekadashi procession — marking the beginning of Holi – being carried out under tight police cover.
Besides a big police force, RRF and PAC personnel have been deployed, especially in sensitive areas. The city has been divided into six zones and 29 sectors, with three layers of security planned. CCTV and drone surveillance are in place.
