Lucknow Eidgah Imam urges people to not to offer Namaz on roads

NEW DELHI: Lucknow Eidgah Imam Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali has urged the Muslim community to offer Eid-ul-Fitr prayers only in Eidgahs and mosques, not on roads, while also requesting prayers for national security and peace in Palestine.

This comes as Uttar Pradesh police prepare extensive security measures for both Eid and Ram Navami celebrations, with DGP Prashant Kumar conducting a detailed review meeting with senior state officers.

"The moon of Eid-al-Fitr will be sighted on 30th March and if the moon is sighted, then Eid will be celebrated on the 31st March. In this regard, the Islamic Centre of India has issued an advisory in which we have appealed to the Muslim community to reach Eidgahs and Mosques as soon as possible and not offer Namaz on roads and offer Namaz inside the Eidgah only. After the Namaz, pray for the safety and security of our country including lasting peace and the establishment of peace in the country of Palestine," said Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali.

The DGP has instructed officials to divide districts into sectors and zones for the festivals, with magistrates and police officers assigned to each area. Special attention will be given to highly sensitive locations with adequate police force deployment.

Security measures include rooftop monitoring at sensitive locations, foot patrolling in crowded areas, and regular anti-sabotage checks by Bomb Disposal Squad and sniffer dogs.

The authorities have specified that no animals should be roaming near Eidgahs and mosques during Eid prayers. UP-112 vehicles will be deployed on sensitive routes, and drone cameras will monitor mixed and sensitive areas.

Additional security measures include CCTV installation at necessary locations and surveillance of miscreants and anti-social elements. Poster parties and morning checking teams will be activated with clear instructions about their responsibilities.

The police have been directed to take all information seriously and respond promptly with appropriate legal action. The district intelligence system will remain active, with all personnel staying alert.

Social media platforms will be monitored round the clock to counter false and misleading information. Legal action will be taken against those spreading misinformation.

Special security arrangements are being made for Chaitra Navratri at important religious sites including Ayodhya, Mirzapur, Balrampur, and Varanasi, where large crowds are expected.

For Ram Navami celebrations, comprehensive security measures will be implemented at railway stations, bus stations, markets, crowded places, event venues, and entertainment centers. All security drills will be rehearsed in advance to ensure smooth operations during the festivals.

The authorities are focusing on maintaining peace and security during both festivals through careful planning and implementation of preventive measures.