Opposition, rights advocates, and members of the Muslim community widely condemn Circle Officer Anuj Kumar Chowdhury’s statement
Team Clarion
SAMBHAL — A senior police officer’s controversial statement advising Muslims to stay indoors during Holi celebrations has triggered widespread outrage. Anuj Kumar Chowdhury, the Circle Officer of Sambhal, which was rocked by violence in November last year, made the remarks following a peace committee meeting ahead of the Hindu festival, scheduled for March 14. The festival coincides with the second Friday of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
“If the Muslim community feels that Holi’s colours will spoil their religion, they should not get out of the house on Friday,” Chowdhury said. “Friday comes 52 times a year, while Holi only comes once a year. If you cannot tolerate the colours, stay indoors. But if you choose to go outside, be big-hearted and don’t object if colours fall on you.”
Opposition leaders, human rights advocates, and members of the Muslim community widely condemned the officer’s statement. Critics argue that such remarks not only violate the principles of secularism but also foster an atmosphere of fear and discrimination.
Samajwadi Party spokesperson Shivendra Bikram Singh called for action against the officer, claiming that the biased statements were an attempt to please the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“Officers should not act as agents of the BJP,” Singh said. “They must uphold the law impartially. Such statements fuel division and hostility in society. This is not the role of a police officer.”
Manish Hinduvi, leader of the Congress’ Uttar Pradesh unit, also criticised the statement, pointing out that it was the duty of the police to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs. “If people from a particular community are uncomfortable with the festivities, it is the responsibility of the police to ensure that no atmosphere of fear or insecurity is created,” Hinduvi said.
Police officer Chowdhury was present during the violent clashes last November, following a court order to survey the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid in the city. The violence – which resulted in the death of five Muslim youths, allegedly in police firing – was triggered by claims that the mosque was built on the site of a Hindu temple. Critics argue that Chowdhury’s history in handling religious tensions raises questions about his impartiality in such sensitive matters.
The police officer’s comments have resulted in an outpouring of anger among Muslims in Sambhal and surrounding areas. Many Muslims feel that this latest incident is part of a broader pattern of discrimination and alienation. Local Muslim leaders, activists, and community members have raised concerns over the increasing marginalisation of their community under the current administration in Uttar Pradesh.
For many Muslims, the statement is seen as an affront to their rights and dignity. “This is a blatant attack on our right to live freely in our own country,” said Imran Qureshi, a local Muslim community leader. “The officer’s suggestion that we should stay indoors is not only insulting, but it also creates an atmosphere of fear and segregation. It’s as if we are being told that we do not belong here.”
Others voiced frustration at what they see as growing hostility towards Muslims in the state. “This is just another example of how the government is enabling a culture of hate and intolerance,” said Nida Khan, a member of the women’s wing of a Muslim advocacy group. “We are told to stay indoors as if we are second-class citizens, afraid to even walk outside because of our religion. This is not the India we believe in.”
One local youth, Mohammed Asif, expressed dismay at the officer’s comments. “It is heartbreaking to hear such comments. As a young Muslim, I feel like we are constantly being pushed to the margins. We are not asking for special treatment, just the right to live freely and peacefully like every other citizen,” he said.
Legal experts have raised concerns about the constitutional implications of the officer’s statements. The Constitution of India guarantees equality, non-discrimination, and freedom of religion for all citizens. The police officer’s advice is seen as a violation of these fundamental rights, and critics argue that it contributes to the ongoing erosion of secular values in Uttar Pradesh.
“The actions of the Uttar Pradesh Police directly contradict the principles of the Indian Constitution,” said legal expert Arun Gupta. “This is a clear violation of the rights of Muslims, and the Supreme Court must intervene to protect their fundamental freedoms.”
Following the uproar calls for accountability and action against the officer have intensified. Political leaders, civil rights organisations, and members of the Muslim community are urging the authorities to take immediate steps to ensure that such prejudiced behaviour is addressed. They argue that the growing discrimination against Muslims, compounded by statements like Chowdhury’s, is deeply damaging to India’s pluralistic democracy.
