Massive Holi Procession, Friday Namaz Held In Sambhal Amid 3-Tier Security, Here's What CO Anuj Chaudhary Said

Holi celebrations in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, proceeded peacefully despite security concerns due to Friday prayers occurring on the same day.

People participated in Holi procession amid tight security arrangements in Sambhal.

Source : PTI

The festival of Holi was celebrated peacefully in the Sambhal town of Uttar Pradesh amid tight security in view of the festival of colours and Friday prayers, during the ongoing Ramadan, falling on the same day. 

The traditional 'chaupaai kaa juloos' (procession) was taken out in the Sambhal city on the occasion of Holi followed by Juma (Friday) namaz, said the officials. 

The Uttar Pradesh town has been tense after riots broke out here on November 24 last year during the court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid. Four people were killed in the violence while several others, including police personnel, were injured. 

The situation further tensed in recent weeks after Sambhal Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary courted a controversy saying Muslims should stay indoors if they are uncomfortable with Holi celebrations.

VIDEO| Drone visuals from Shahi Jama Masjid of Sambhal where devotees are offering Friday prayers.

(Source: Third party)

(Full video available on PTI Videos- https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/UK9ZiBRDLE

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There Was Peace: Sambhal DM 

Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia said that everything was followed as per orders and there was peace. Both Holi and namaz concluded properly, he added. 

"As per the orders, everything was followed properly and the things were managed...There was peace...Holi and Namaz both concluded properly...Force was present everywhere...," Pensia told ANI.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Sambhal, Vandana Mishra said the administration "managed to celebrate both things peacefully." 

"Force was deployed for the management of the crowd... Everything happened properly...," she said. 

CO Anuj Chaudhary also said that everything happened peacefully including the Holi procession which saw participation of around 3,000 people. 

 "All have celebrated Holi with love. Now, people are going to offer Namaz, and it will also be done peacefully. The Holi procession was huge, with almost 3000 people taking part, but everything has happened peacefully."