In response to a statement made by Sambhal CO Anuj Chaudhary, authorities have decided to alter the timing of Friday prayers on the occasion of Holi across the district. Senior police officials have confirmed that, to maintain harmony, Friday prayers on March 14 will be held after 2:30 PM, while the Hindu community will celebrate Holi until the same time.
Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar announced on Friday that seven companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been stationed in Sambhal to ensure security during Holi and the first Friday of Ramzan. Authorities are also conducting thorough inspections of police posts, with an antenna installed at the Satyavrat police post to establish a high-altitude district control room for better surveillance.
The district administration has reassured the public that peace and security are being maintained, with peace committee meetings actively being conducted at the neighborhood level. In a district-level peace committee meeting, prominent figures from both communities agreed on the revised prayer and celebration schedule to ensure a smooth observance of both festivals.
Authorities Urge Public to Avoid Rumors
SP Krishna Kumar emphasized that social media is under strict surveillance to prevent the spread of misinformation. He urged residents to report any false rumors to the police immediately, ensuring that any misinformation can be debunked in a timely manner.
Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia stated that the city has been strategically divided into six zones and 29 sectors, with magistrates deployed across all sectors to oversee security. He reiterated that peace committee meetings have taken place at both police station and district levels, and community leaders have assured that both festivals will be celebrated with harmony and cooperation.
When asked about the possibility of covering mosques with tarpaulins to prevent Holi colors from reaching them, Pensia clarified that the administration had no such plans. He added that if the communities themselves decided to take such measures, they were free to do so. He reiterated that leaders from both communities had pledged to celebrate their festivals peacefully and in coordination with each other.
CO Anuj Chaudhary’s Statement Sparks Debate
A statement made by CO Anuj Chaudhary during a peace committee meeting at Sambhal Kotwali police station has gained significant attention on social media. Addressing concerns about Holi celebrations and Friday prayers coinciding, Chaudhary stated, “Holi is a festival that occurs once a year, whereas Jumme ki Namaz takes place 52 times a year. If someone is uncomfortable with Holi colors, they should remain indoors on that day. Those who step out should be open-minded, as festivals are meant to be celebrated together.”
His remarks, which emphasized communal harmony, received mixed reactions. He stressed that for the past month, peace committee meetings have been held at various levels to ensure a peaceful observance of both Holi and Friday prayers.
Chaudhary further urged both communities to respect each other’s sentiments, advising against forcibly applying colors to those who do not wish to participate in Holi celebrations. He emphasized that just as Muslims eagerly anticipate Eid, Hindus look forward to Holi, and both festivals should be celebrated with unity and mutual respect.
While his remarks were intended to promote communal harmony, opposition parties criticized them, accusing him of bias. Some demanded action against him, arguing that such comments were inappropriate for a police officer. However, authorities continue to focus on maintaining law and order, ensuring that both festivals can be observed peacefully and without conflict.
