With Holi And Jumma On Same Day, Police In Several States Take Preventive Measures; Various Mosques Postpone Friday Prayers

After Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath prioritised Holi celebrations over jumma namaz offering in his comments, various mosques have decided to change the namaz timings.

“Holi comes once a year, but Friday prayers have to be read every week. It is not necessary that a person should go to the mosque. If someone has to go then they should not have an issue with colours,” Adityanath had said earlier.

In Aligarh, the namaz timings have been changed from 1 pm to 2 pm, expecting Holi celebrations to calm down as the day progresses. Peace and harmony have also been appealed by mosque authorities.

The city's mufti Khalid Hameed has also urged Muslims to not step out of their homes unnecessarily, in line with CM Adityanath's statement. He also simultaneously appealed to not put colours on Muslims forcefully.

Several mosques at Halwain, Kanwariganj, Dehli gate, Sabji Mandi chauraha and Shahajmal are also set to be covered to prevent them from being tainted by Holi colours.

After the Mhow violence over India's cricket victory celebration, the Madhya Pradesh Police has also started planning to maintain law and order on Friday when Holi will be celebrated.

Indore's additional commissioner (law and order) Amit Singh is planning preventive measures, such as activating peace committees, deploying additional forces in sensitive areas and keeping anti-social elements under watch.

"We will take preventive action against those with prior criminal records related to communal disputes and ensure they are sent to jail, guaranteeing a safe and harmonious Holi for all citizens," Singh was quoted as saying by FPJ.

With an additional four to five vehicles, the police stations will be provided extra resources for patrolling requirements to ensure regular surveillance in various areas. Social media will also be monitored to control any inflammatory posts.