Sambhal administration imposes restrictions ahead of Eid, citing Security concerns
Team Clarion
SAMBHAL — With only a few days left for Eid-ul-Fitr, the district administration in Sambhal has implemented strict regulations regarding Eid prayers, including a controversial ban on offering namaz on rooftops. This decision has sparked strong reactions, particularly from Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq, who has accused the authorities of curtailing the religious freedom of Muslims.
The administration convened a peace committee meeting with representatives of different religious communities to discuss the arrangements for the festival. As part of these preparations, the authorities have prohibited namaz on roads and rooftops, citing security and public order concerns.
Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra explained the rationale behind the decision, stating, “It was decided in the peace committee meeting that namaz should not be offered on the roads, and the people have agreed to this.” Regarding the use of loudspeakers, she clarified that discussions were held, but permission was denied. “Permission to offer namaz on rooftops near mosques will be granted only after a thorough investigation,” she added.
The SDM further urged people to celebrate Eid and Navratri with mutual harmony and respect. She reinforced that namaz on platforms or roads would not be permitted and that loudspeakers would also be prohibited.
Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq strongly criticised the decision, arguing that it infringes on the religious rights of Muslims. “A person’s rooftop is not government property. If someone is not allowed to pray at their own residence, then where will they go?” he questioned.
Barq expressed concern that such restrictions were an attempt to “snatch away the religious freedom of Muslims,” warning that imposing such limitations could create unnecessary tensions.
The district police have also reinforced restrictions on the use of loudspeakers and offering prayers in public spaces. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrishchandra stated, “On the day of Eid, offering namaz on the streets of Sambhal will not be allowed, and the use of loudspeakers has also been prohibited.”
The ASP added that the police have informed all religious groups about these decisions. “Eid-ul-Fitr namaz will only be offered inside the premises of Eidgah and mosques. No one will be permitted to offer namaz on the streets or rooftops, but traditional practices within designated prayer spaces will continue.”
Despite the restrictions, authorities have assured that arrangements for electricity and water will remain smooth to ensure a peaceful and safe celebration. “We hope that all upcoming festivals will be observed with harmony and without any law and order issues,” said ASP Shrishchandra.
The ban on rooftop prayers comes amid a broader crackdown on public religious gatherings in Uttar Pradesh, where offering namaz on roads has already been restricted in several districts. The decision has sparked concerns among the Muslim community, who fear that such measures could set a precedent for further limitations on religious practices.
