Authorities Cover Sambhal Jama Masjid, Nine Other Mosques With Tarpaulin Sheets Ahead Of Holi
Authorities were seen covering the place of worship ahead of the festival of Holi. The procession for Holi is expected to pass through the area.
The administration of the district of Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh decided to cover the Sambhal Jama Masjid with tarpaulin sheets ahead of the festival of Holi. Videos shared by news agency ANI on social media site X showed authorities covered the mosque with sheets.
A separate report by broadcaster India Today said that 10 mosques that fall along the route of a Holi procession have been covered in a similar fashion.
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Holi coincides with Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramzan.
#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
District and police officials told the broadcaster that the decision was taken to ensure that both religious events proceed smoothly.
At least five people died and 20 people were injured last year after protests erupted against a court-directed survey of the Jama Masjid, following claims that it was built over a demolished Hindu temple. The situation turned violent during the protests.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrishchandra told the broadcaster that religious sites along the traditional route of the Holi procession will remain covered after an agreement was reached between both communities.
Reacting to the development, Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq questioned the need of covering the religious sites while praising the move.
“I would say it is a good thing that they have covered them, but why was there a need for the police to do so? I would tell the police administration that they have made this arrangement to ensure Holi is celebrated peacefully," Barq was quoted as saying by news agency IANS.
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