Sambhal administration covers Jama Masjid with tarpaulin ahead of Holi, VIDEO surfaces

With Holi already at hand, the Sambhal administration has taken preventive measures to ensure communal harmony by placing a tarpaulin over the Jama Masjid. The measure has been taken to see that both Holi and Ramadan are celebrated peacefully and with smooth proceedings. There has been a video clip emerging wherein officials are seen covering the mosque with the covering sheet. 

To avoid any unfortunate incidents, authorities have immensely increased security. There were violent protests last year after a survey of the Jama Masjid at the behest of a court, with casualties caused. Keeping those incidents in mind, this time the administration is not leaving anything to chance.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | Sambhal's Jama Masjid being covered with Tarpaulin sheet ahead of Holi festival as per the decision of the local administration pic.twitter.com/cMIW0cV8mF

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2025

Holi celebrations start in Sambhal

Holi celebrations in Sambhal commenced with Rangbhari Ekadashi, a festival observed five days before the main event. This year, the primary Holi celebrations will take place on Friday. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya shared details about the arrangements, stating, "A grand procession will be carried out tomorrow. There will be a total of 16 fairs. We have conducted peace committee meetings in every neighborhood and village, along with two district-level discussions."

Multi-layered security arrangement

In order to provide a secure atmosphere, the administration has set up a three-pronged security system. "We have established 27 Quick Response Teams, divided the district into six zones and 29 sectors, and posted magistrates and police officers accordingly," the District Magistrate announced. Furthermore, all station house officers and magistrates have been directed to patrol sensitive locations. PAC units have been placed at sensitive areas, and more than 250 CCTV cameras have been placed with another 100-150 installed for the event. Drone reconnaissance has been conducted once and will be repeated before the actual event. Flag marches under the command of the DIG are also in the security plans.

Controversial statement sparks political backlash

Meanwhile, a statement made by Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Kumar Chaudhary on March 6 during a peace committee meeting has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who have labeled it communal. The CO had stated, "We have requested the Muslim community to avoid Holi gatherings if they do not wish to be splashed with colors. There are 52 Fridays in a year, but Holi comes only once. Hindus wait an entire year for Holi, just as Muslims eagerly anticipate Eid. Our clear message is that if they want to avoid color, they should stay indoors. If they choose to step out, they should not object to being part of the celebration."

The administration’s extensive preparations aim to prevent a recurrence of last year’s violence and ensure that both communities can observe their respective festivals peacefully and with enthusiasm.