Clarion India
SAMBHAL — Holi celebrations in Sambhal on Friday have remained peaceful and the planned processions on the festival were taken out across the city under heavy security without any problem, according to media reports.
At the same time, namaz was also offered in different mosques in the city. At 2:30 p.m., worshippers gathered at the Shahi Jama Masjid to offer prayers on the second Friday of Ramzan.
Meanwhile, a large Holi procession passed near the mosque, with around 3,000 people participating. To maintain law and order, a heavy police deployment was in place throughout the city.
Police Officer Anuj Chaudhary expressed satisfaction with the peaceful proceedings, according to reports.
“People have celebrated Holi with great harmony in Sambhal. There have been no reports of any disturbances. Worshippers offered namaz without any issues,” he said.
“Local communities took the initiative to cover mosques themselves. I thank Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for ensuring law and order,” he added.
Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Bishnoi also highlighted the cooperative spirit in the region.
“Everything is going on peacefully and with affection. People here are fostering brotherhood. The diligent efforts of the Sambhal police have paid off,” he remarked.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra confirmed that both the Holi processions and Friday prayers were held without any issues, thanks to the cooperation of the local community in keeping the peace. “Along with Holi, the Juma namaz was performed peacefully. We have managed to celebrate both things peacefully. The processions were also carried out peacefully. Everyone cooperated. This gives the message that peace remains in Sambhal,” Mishra told PTI.
“Thanks to the teamwork of our administration and security personnel, everything proceeded smoothly,” she said.
Sambhal DM Rajender Pensiya said, “People celebrated Holi with traditional fervour. More than 60 processions were taken out in the city under tight security.”
Given the overlap of Holi and Friday prayers, authorities had issued an alert across the state, with special arrangements made in Sambhal to prevent any untoward incidents. A strong police presence and community cooperation ensured that both Holi festivities and Ramzan prayers were observed without disruption.
The peaceful celebrations are significant in light of tensions in Sambhal following communal riots on November 24 last year, which were triggered by an Archaeological Survey of India survey of a Mughal-era Shahi Jama mosque. — With inputs from IANS
