In a bid to maintain communal harmony during Holi celebrations, the Uttar Pradesh administration has decided to cover ten mosques in Sambhal with tarpaulin. This decision comes as a rare coincidence of the festival of colours and a Ramazan ‘Jumma’ falling together on the same day, March 14. The administration aims to prevent any disturbance or tension between the two communities.

According to Sambhal SP, Shrish Chandra, the decision was taken after identifying ten mosques that fall along the proposed route of the ‘Chaupai’ procession. The mosques will be covered to prevent any untoward incidents. Additionally, an agreement has been reached to alter the timings of the Friday prayers and ‘Chaupai’ processions to avoid overlap.

Local authorities and UP Police officials have been instructed to maintain strict vigil and prevent any incidents from unfolding on the day of the festival. A peace meeting was also organised at the Sambhal police station, where religious heads of the two communities discussed ways to prevent communal strife during Holi celebrations and the Friday ‘namaaz’.