After Saharanpur and Sambhal, Bijnor administration wraps mosques on the procession route and deploys police amid appeals for peace and a warning of strict action against troublemakers
BIJNOR – Several mosques in Bijnor District in Uttar Pradesh have been covered with tarpaulin sheets, ahead of Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, on Wednesday (March 4). The administration has also deployed police personnel near religious sites falling on the route of Holi processions.
The move comes after similar steps were taken in Saharanpur and Sambhal in previous years. Officials say the purpose is to prevent any mischief, such as colour or gulal being thrown at mosques, which could lead to communal tension.
However, a recent statement by a senior police officer has drawn criticism from some residents, especially from the Muslim community.
According to local reports, in Dhampur town of Bijnor district, Holi processions traditionally pass through several busy areas. Last year’s Ekadashi procession had moved from Ramlila Maidan through Sudama Park, Mohalla Chaudharyan, Rammu Ka Chauraha, Sarrafa Market, Sadar Bazaar, Dakghar Chauraha, Civil Lines and Shakti Chowk before returning to Ramlila Maidan.
As some mosques fall along this route, the administration decided to cover them with plastic sheets and deploy police nearby as a preventive step.
An official from the district administration said, “This is a precautionary measure. The aim is to maintain peace and prevent any unwanted incident.”
Many Muslims in the area said they understood the need for peace but felt uneasy. A resident said, “If someone throws colour on a mosque, action should be taken against that person. Covering mosques every year sends a message that we have to protect ourselves.”
The issue has gained more attention after a statement made recently during a peace committee meeting in Gonda district by Additional Superintendent of Police (Western) Radheshyam Rai.
He had said, “Those who do not wish to play Holi should not step out of their homes, because Holi is a festival of fun. It does not see who is Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Sikh. It only sees that it is Holi and we will apply colour.”
The remark has been criticised by some people who described it as insensitive. A social worker in Bijnor said, “Telling people to stay indoors if they do not want colours is not the right approach. The administration should assure everyone of safety, not advise them to avoid public spaces.”
Some residents recalled that a similar statement last year by an officer in Sambhal had also led to controversy.
Bijnor Superintendent of Police Abhishek Jha appealed to the public to celebrate Holi peacefully. He urged citizens to inform the police immediately if they notice any disturbance.
In a statement, he said, “Holi should be celebrated peacefully and harmoniously. Strict action will be taken against anyone who tries to disturb law and order.”
Police teams are conducting foot patrols in different parts of the district. Checking drives are also being carried out at sensitive spots, liquor shops, hotels, bars, bus stations and railway stations.
A police officer on duty said, “We are keeping a close watch. Anyone who creates trouble will not be spared.”
While some residents supported the preventive steps, others said more dialogue was needed between communities.
A Hindu shopkeeper in the market area said, “We want the festival to pass without any tension. If covering mosques helps avoid problems, it is fine.”
On the other hand, a Muslim elder said, “We respect Holi and we want peace. But we also want equal respect for our places of worship. The administration must be careful with words and actions.”
As Holi approaches, security remains tight in Bijnor. The focus of the authorities, they say, is to maintain peace. Yet, the debate over how such situations are handled continues, with many hoping that harmony will prevail and that both communities can feel secure during the festival.
