Amid the controversy in Sambhal over Holi celebrations and Friday namaz, the superintendent of police in Sambhal said on Friday arrangements are in place for Holi celebrations, stating that processions for the festival will be permitted across the city. He further said that Friday prayers would be offered after 2:30 pm.
"Processions for the Holi will be taken out; Holi will be celebrated in all parts of the city before, and people will play it before 2:30 PM. Proper police deployment is in place. I hope this Holi will bring happiness to all... After 2:30 PM, Friday prayers (Jumme ki Namaz) will be offered," he said as quoted by ANI.
Earlier on Thursday, Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia along with senior police officials and paramilitary forces also conducted a flag march in the area to strengthen security measures.
According to a report published by ANI, following the decision of the local administration, the Jama Masjid of Aligarh and Sambhal were covered with tarpaulin as a precautionary measure.
Along with this, in view of the security arrangements on Wednesday, Sambhal ASP Shrish Chandra said that all the 10 religious places falling on the traditional route of the Holi procession will be covered so that no one's sentiments are hurt.
"All 10 religious places that fall on the traditional route taken by the Holi procession will be covered so that no sentiments are hurt. There have been talks and agreement between the two sides on this," Chandra told ANI earlier.
