Peaceful Last Friday Prayers of Ramzan in Uttar Pradesh
Increased Security and Black Armband Protests
Mosques in Uttar Pradesh
The final Friday prayers of Ramzan were held peacefully in mosques all over Uttar Pradesh. Officials reported that security measures were heightened.
In some places, worshippers wore black armbands as a protest against changes to the Waqf law, following a call from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).
Security Measures and Surveillance
Security was tightened across the state for the Friday prayers. Extra police forces were stationed in sensitive areas of each district.
Prashant Kumar, the Uttar Pradesh Police Chief, kept an eye on the situation from the state police headquarters in Lucknow.
Lucknow and Sambhal
In Lucknow, the Alvida Namaz was carried out without any disturbances, thanks to strong security arrangements. No untoward incidents were reported.
In Sambhal, which has been tense since the violence on November 24 last year, the prayers were also offered peacefully. District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya credited strong public support for the calm conduct of the prayers.
Meerut and Farrukhabad
Worshippers in Meerut wore black armbands during the Alvida Juma prayers, which went smoothly with a large gathering at Shahi Jama Masjid. Heavy police and RAF personnel were deployed around the mosque for security.
Minor disagreements occurred when police officials asked devotees to remove their armbands. City Superintendent of Police Ayush Vikram Singh confirmed that the prayers were conducted peacefully, with no reports of tension or incidents from any part of the city.
In Farrukhabad district, some worshippers also wore black armbands during prayers.
Amethi and Mirzapur
The Friday prayers in Amethi were held peacefully in 367 mosques across the district amid tight security. Superintendent of Police Aparna Rajat Kaushik said sensitive areas were monitored via CCTV and additional police forces were stationed at key locations.
In Mirzapur, the Alvida Jumma Namaz was observed peacefully as well. Additional SP Nitesh Kumar reported no untoward incidents from the district. The mosque at Imambara saw the usual number of worshippers, and tight security measures were in place around the mosque.
Ayodhya
Prayers were offered across Ayodhya Friday afternoon under tight security, with police teams ensuring vigilance throughout the region. Inspector General (IG) of Ayodhya, Praveen Kumar, said that the prayers were conducted peacefully in all districts of the Ayodhya division, with no reports of any untoward incidents.
Chief Imam of Ayodhya Mufti Ziyauddin and the president of the Ayodhya unit of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Maulana Baadshah Khan, led the prayers.
“We prayed for peace and harmony in the country and the world,” said Maulana Baadshah Khan. He expressed gratitude to the administration for the arrangements and facilities provided on the occasion of Alvida Juma.
