MEERUT: Security measures were heightened in UP’s Sambhal ahead of Holi, with Shahi Jama masjid and nine other mosques along the designated procession route covered with tarpaulins. The move is aimed to prevent colours from reaching religious sites and maintain communal harmony.
Over 1,000 people have been bound down — a legal procedure under which a person is required to furnish a bond or surety to ensure their good conduct — under relevant as a precautionary measure. Sambhal ASP Shreesh Chandra said that apart from Jama Masjid, ten religious sites were covered along the route.
“We have covered the religious place with the consent of both communities. This step was taken to prevent hurting any religious sentiment,” he added. SDM Vandana Mishra said the district had been divided into sectors and sub-sectors for better monitoring.
“Lekhpals have been deputed at all mosques at the tehsil level and will conduct field inspections with revenue officials. Additionally, tehsildars, naib tehsildars, and I will oversee the area. So far, 1,015 people have been bound down under relevant sections to maintain law and order. We aim to celebrate Holi peacefully,” she said.
Taufiq Ahmed, an advocate representing Shahi Jama Masjid in Supreme Court, said the practice of covering the mosque had been followed for years. “The Hindu brothers’ procession of Holi Chaupai passes in front of Jama Masjid. As a precaution, we cover the mosque from the outside to prevent it from getting coloured,” he said. DM Rajender Pensiya said the district was divided into six zones and 29 sectors for better surveillance.
