As India marks Eid-ul-Fitr on Monday, several restrictions have been imposed on the Muslim community regarding the celebration of the festival. Security has been heightened across parts of India, but most of the restrictions come from Uttar Pradesh.
In UP's Sambhal, police have announced restrictions on public prayers and loudspeaker usage. In UP's Meerut, police have vowed action against those who perform Eid prayers on roads. Meanwhile, in Shimla, threats from Hindutva groups resulted in the cancellation of Eid celebrations at a School.
India Marks A 'Restricted Eid'
Restrictions In Sambhal
Sambhal Police have stated that people will not be allowed to offer namaz on the streets and use loudspeakers.
Sambhal Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary called for law and order to be maintained in a controversial manner. Weeks after his Holi remarks went viral, the officer went on to say - "if you want to share Eid's sewaiyan, then you will have to eat Holi's Gujia too."
Meerut Bans Namaz In The Streets
Meanwhile, in UP's Meerut, police have vowed to take action against those offering Eid prayers on the streets. Furthermore, police have stated that if prayers were offered on the streets, passports and licenses will be seized.
"Instructions have been given that under no circumstances shall namaz be offered on the road," said Superintendent of police (SP) Ayush Vikram Singh.
Shimla School Cancels Eid Celebrations After Threat
A private school in Shimla cancelled its planned Eid celebrations after it received threats from a Hindutva group.
As per reports, Dev Bhoomi Sangarsh Samiti warned to "gherao" the school and take action if the Eid celebrations were not cancelled.
The school in question - Auckland House School - stated they organised the celebration in order for students to embrace India's diversity, just as they do with Holi, Diwali and Christmas.
“Given the recent misrepresentation and concern around potential disruption, the school has decided to withdraw the event to maintain peace and secure the environment, and the students should attend the school in regular uniform as usual,” read the school's official statement.
