The Yogi Adityanath administration issued an order on Saturday, asking district authorities to not allow any religious processions to be taken out during Muharram.
The Uttar Pradesh Police has prohibited the religious processions during Muharram due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the circular issued by Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Mukul Goel on July 31, the Shia clerics have raised questions over the objectionable language used in it. They were unhappy with Muharram being repeatedly referred to as a 'festival' in the circular issued to police personnel in all districts.
The Uttar Pradesh Police has prohibited the religious processions during Muharram due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the circular issued by Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Mukul Goel on July 31, the Shia clerics have raised questions over the objectionable language used in it. They were unhappy with Muharram being repeatedly referred to as a 'festival' in the circular issued to police personnel in all districts. Police officials have also been asked to take clerics in confidence to ensure a ban on congregations.
According to the circular, DGP Mukul Goel has also urged his officers to communicate with religious leaders for spreading awareness about COVID-19 and the need to observe Muharram indoors.
The festivals in India do not just offer a temporary reprieve from the daily grind but also serve as a medium to promote peace and brotherhood as people from across faiths gather at one place to commemorate the event.
Scores of mourners were injured over the weekend after security forces fired pellets and tear shells on Muharram processions at Bemina and Zadibal areas in Srinagar, even as police said more than 15 of its personnel were injured in stone pelting.
Weekend lockdown continues across Uttar Pradesh in wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases, the Supreme Court on Thursday declined permission for carrying out Muharram procession across the country and asked Lucknow-based petitioner to move before the Allahabad High Court with his plea. The apex court said how can it pass a general order for the whole country.
The Uttar Pradesh government has accepted the demands of Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad regarding certain Muharram rituals and allowed the community members to keep 'taziyas' in their homes and observe 'azadari' during Muharram but with certain restrictions.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, festivals this year are being celebrated with low enthusiasm. According to the guidelines issued by the government, public gatherings are being avoided during the celebrations.
Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad has taken strong exception to the blanket ban on all Muharram rituals by the Lucknow Police Commissionerate.
Muharram, which is likely to fall on Thursday, is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered sacred by Muslims who observe the month with abstinence and prayers to mourn the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain in the battle of Karbala in the 7th century.
The All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB) has issued its Muharram advisory, asking people to follow all norms of social distancing, wear masks and wherever possible, take part in Muharram rituals online or via TV channels broadcasting them.
Clash broke out during Muharram procession in Shajapur, Madhya Pradesh. However, police had to resort to lathicharge to control crowds.
The incident took place in Bahjoi area when Safleen (40) and others were taking out 'tazia', police said.
Curfew-like restrictions were reimposed on Tuesday in several parts of Kashmir, including the city, to foil any plans on taking out Muharram processions in the Valley as authorities apprehended that large congregations might lead to violence.
According to Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Inderkant Dwivedi, the prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) were clamped in the area on Monday evening in view of the upcoming festivals of Muharram and Dussehra.
Five cases were registered at Cantonment and Bithari Chainpur police stations against Mishra and others for opposing a Muharram procession in village Khajuria, police said.
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