Lucknow: Due to the coincidence of Holi and Friday prayers, precautionary measures are being taken by the administration and religious leaders in various cities. Especially in Sambhal, Moradabad, Bareilly, Lucknow and other cities, prayer timings have been changed, so that any untoward incident can be avoided and peace and order can be maintained.

In a meeting held between the administration and the peace committee in Sambhal, it was decided that steps will be taken to create harmony between the timings of Holi and Friday prayers. According to the administration, the Hindu community will celebrate Holi till 2:30 pm, while Muslims will offer Friday prayers after 2:30 pm.

The DM and SSP of Sambhal said that strict security arrangements are being made in the city. The city has been divided into 6 zones and 29 sectors, where 7 companies of PAC (Police Armoured Force) are being deployed. Police officials have appealed to the public not to pay attention to rumors and support the administration in maintaining law and order.

A change in the timings of Friday prayers has also been announced in Moradabad. Syed Masoom Ali Azad, the city Imam of Moradabad’s Jamia Masjid, said that the Friday prayers to be held on March 14 will be offered at 2:30 pm instead of the usual time of 1 pm. He appealed to Muslims to offer Friday prayers in their nearest mosques so that they do not face any kind of trouble on the way. He said that it is Holi day and there will be a rush of people on the roads, in such a situation, it would be better for Muslims to offer Friday prayers in their nearest mosques and avoid going out unnecessarily.

In a meeting of the peace committee held in Bareilly, it was decided that the imams of all the big mosques of the city will change the timings of Friday prayers according to the conditions in their respective areas. The police and district administration appealed to the public to avoid provocations and maintain religious harmony.

Police officials said that the rumours being spread on social media are being monitored, and strict action will be taken against any miscreants who try to spoil the atmosphere.

Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahal, Imam of Darul Uloom Firangi Mahal in Lucknow, has appealed to Muslims to offer Friday prayers in their nearest mosques on March 14. He said that generally Friday prayers are held at 12:30 or 1:00 pm in big mosques of the city, but on that day the prayer time should be kept after 2:00 pm to avoid any kind of disorder.

Consultations are also underway between the local administration and religious leaders in Rampur, Aligarh and Etawah. People in these cities are also being advised to offer prayers in their nearest areas and take precautions to avoid any possible unpleasant situation.

In all cities, the administration and religious leaders have jointly appealed to the public to demonstrate religious tolerance and brotherhood. It is most important to show patience and forbearance during the holy month of Ramadan. The public has been requested not to pay attention to any rumors and to fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies.