Tarpaulin to Cover 10 Sambhal Mosques, Including Jama Masjid, During Holi for Protection

In Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district, police have made up their minds to cover 10 mosques, including the ancient Jama Masjid, with plastic sheets and tarpaulins along the Holi procession route on March 14. The measure is taken as Holi this year falls on a Friday during the holy month of Ramzan.

The authorities explained that the move was aimed at ensuring that both religious activities go on without any hitches. Extra Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrishchandra clarified that all religious places along the procession route would be insured, after agreement between the two communities.

Tensions in Sambhal have continued to be high since last November when a court-directed survey of the Jama Masjid was carried out on the basis of allegations that the mosque had been constructed over the remains of a Hindu temple. The survey resulted in mass protests that turned violent, leading to five fatalities and injuries to more than 20 police officers.

Controversy erupted earlier in the week when Anuj Kumar Chaudhary, a senior police officer, advised Muslims to remain at home over Holi, stating that the festival occurs once a year, while Friday prayers are held every week. The comments were also supported by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

"The celebration of colours occurs once a year, whereas Friday (for prayers) arrives 52 times in a year. We have sent a clear message that when individuals celebrate Holi, and if they (Muslims) do not wish to have colours on them, then they can remain indoors," Chaudhary added.

The overlap of Friday prayers and Holi has been followed by a series of incendiary comments from political leaders. BJP leader Raghuraj Singh, on Tuesday, recommended that Muslim men use tarpaulin hijabs so that they don't disrupt the celebrations of Holi. The mayor of Darbhanga in Bihar further fuelled the debate by suggesting that Friday prayers be taken out for two hours during the festival.