Sambhal: Police and administration are on high alert in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh for the first Friday prayers today after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. Heavy police force, PAC, and sector magistrates have been deployed at major intersections and sensitive areas of the city including Jama Masjid. DM Rajendra Pansia and SP Krishna Kumar Bishnoi are personally patrolling. City Magistrate Sudhir Kumar said, “Our aim is to ensure peaceful prayers. Strict action will be taken on any anarchy.”

The violence that erupted during the Jama Masjid survey on November 24 last year, in which four people lost their lives, has further alerted the administration. The police had controlled the situation then, but the Pahalgam attack has increased the tension. Security expert Anil Mehta says, “Vigilance and community cooperation are important in such sensitive times.” The administration has appealed to the mosque committees to offer namaz in local mosques only and keep the crowd under control. Surveillance is also being done through drones and CCTV.

Crowds of Namazis have started gathering in mosques for Friday prayers. The administration made it clear that attempts to disrupt law and order will not be tolerated. Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Anjaneya Kumar said, “We have held a meeting with peace committees. Everyone is appealed to maintain peace.” Amidst the tense peace in Sambhal, the police and administration are trying to ensure that Friday prayers are conducted without any disruption.