• Source:JND
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Authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal covered the Jama Masjid in the city with a tarpaulin sheet on Wednesday as part of security measures ahead of Holi 2025. The local administration directed that all ten religious sites along the Holi procession route be covered to prevent communal tensions.

Sambhal Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shreesh Chandra stated that the decision was made to ensure that no religious sentiments are hurt. “All ten religious places that fall on the traditional route of the Holi procession will be covered. Both communities have agreed on this arrangement,” he said.

Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Dr Vandna Mishra affirmed that the administration is taking all necessary steps to ensure a peaceful Holi celebration. “We have detained 1,015 people under Section 126 and Section 135 as a precautionary measure. Lekhpals have been deployed at various mosques and the district has been divided into sectors to maintain order,” she stated.

To enhance security, authorities have conducted peace committee meetings and deployed police personnel and magistrates across six zones of the city.

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Sambhal District Magistrate (DM) Rajendra Pensia detailed the extensive security arrangements. He said that 16 fairs would be organised as part of the celebrations, and peace committee meetings had been held at both village and district levels. “We have formed 27 quick response teams, created six zones and 29 sectors and deployed police officers and magistrates accordingly. PAC battalions have been stationed for a three-tier security arrangement,” Pensia added.

Additionally, 250 CCTV cameras have been installed, with another 100-150 temporary CCTVs set up by the municipality for festival security. Drone surveillance has already been conducted once and will be repeated. A flag march, led by the DIG, was also carried out as part of the security measures.

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On Monday, Holi celebrations on Rangbhari Ekadashi took place under tight security. This occasion, which marks the beginning of Holi festivities, was observed five days before the main festival. Meanwhile, a peace committee meeting was held at the Sambhal Kotwali police station on March 6 to review preparations for Holi on Friday.

(With ANI Inputs)