'No Prayers, Qurbani On Roads': Yogi Adityanath Issues Strict Guidelines for Eid Celebrations In Uttar Pradesh

In an effort to ensure a peaceful celebration of Eid ul-Azha on Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a series of measures on Thursday (13 June), directing officials to ensure implementation of guide lines on offering prayers and sacrifices.

During a high-level meeting conducted via video conference from his official residence, Adityanath addressed senior police officers from across the state, emphasising the need for strict enforcement of the rules.

"The namaz should be offered at eidgahs and mosques or at homes and no one should be allowed to offer prayers on road and in public places," the guidelines say.

Guidelines were also issued for the sacrifice of animals, a part of the festival.

"Don't offer qurbani on roads, footpaths and pathways or of any prohibited animal. Ensure the highest level of cleanliness and hygiene. Ensure that you bury the blood and entrails of the animal after qurbani or deliver it at the designated spot of garbage collection," a senior official said citing the guidelines on Thursday evening.

Citing social media reports, CM Yogi said that preparations were being made to hold public prayers in Meerut, Aligarh, and Bareilly, which he suggested could be attempts to disturb communal harmony.

He directed officials to take strict measures to stop those elements from doing so.

In addition to the Eid ul-Azha guidelines, CM Yogi Adityanath also issued instructions for other upcoming events:

• Bada Mangal and Ganga Dussehra: Officials were directed to clean roads and riverbanks to facilitate the celebrations and pilgrimages, ensuring that devotees do not face any difficulties.

• Public Safety: Emphasising road safety, Adityanath instructed officials to prevent youths from performing dangerous motorcycle stunts.

• International Yoga Day: The Chief Minister encouraged a grand celebration of International Yoga Day (Yog Diwas) across all districts, urging public representatives, including MPs, MLAs, and mayors, to participate.

During the meeting, Yogi Adityanath also addressed various administrative issues, including:

• Crisis Management: Officials were asked to prepare strategies for potential crises, referencing recent incidents in Kuwait.

• Law Enforcement: A crackdown on history-sheeters, land sharks, and gangsters was ordered. The Chief Minister also warned officers against colluding with blacklisted contractors.

• Corruption and VIP Culture: Mr. Adityanath vowed stern action against those involved in corruption or unauthorised use of VIP privileges, stating that complaints about misuse of hooters and beacon lights would be dealt with strictly.

• Dispute Resolution: Officials were instructed to resolve local issues at the thana or tehsil level to prevent escalation and maintain law and order.

• Food Distribution: Ensuring the smooth distribution of free food grains to the poor was also emphasized.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including DGP Prashant Kumar, ACS (Home) Deepak Kumar, ADG (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash, police commissioners, and ADG zones.