Uttar Pradesh remained on high alert on Thursday as Eid al-Adha celebrations took place under tight security arrangements across the state. The police and district administration deployed heavy security forces in sensitive districts including Lucknow, Prayagraj, Mathura, Ghazipur, Sambhal, Aligarh, Varanasi and Etawah to maintain law and order during Eid-ul-Adha prayers.
Authorities made it clear that strict action would be taken against those offering Namaz on roads, carrying out animal sacrifice in open spaces, or sharing inflammatory content on social media. Drone cameras, CCTV surveillance and additional police patrols were arranged in several districts to monitor the situation.
According to officials, mosques and Eidgahs across the state were placed under close security watch following directions from the Yogi Adityanath government.
Namaz Held Under Tight Surveillance
In Lucknow, large police forces were deployed outside major mosques and Eidgahs. Eid prayers were scheduled at major religious sites including the Aishbagh Eidgah, Teele Wali Masjid and Asifi Mosque at Bara Imambara.
In Sambhal, Eid al-Adha prayers were conducted under heavy police surveillance at 838 mosques and Eidgahs. Authorities monitored the disputed Jama Masjid area through drone cameras and CCTV from the district control room. The administration divided the district into five zones and sixteen sectors for security purposes.
Officials also warned that strict action would be taken against those posting provocative or inflammatory content online.
In Aligarh, Eid prayers were held at the historic Eidgah amid tight security. More than a dozen barricades were installed around the area while police, PAC and RAF personnel remained deployed. The administration monitored the entire area using CCTV cameras and drones.
District Administrations Appeal for Peace
District administrations across Uttar Pradesh appealed to people to celebrate the festival peacefully and maintain communal harmony.
In Azamgarh, Eid al-Adha prayers were offered at more than 700 locations, including mosques and Eidgahs. Additional security personnel were deployed in sensitive areas like Mubarakpur and Lohra village. Local Imams prayed for peace and brotherhood during Eid sermons.
In Etawah, officials including District Magistrate Shubhrant Kumar Shukla supervised security arrangements at the main Eidgah. Authorities instructed worshippers to offer Namaz only inside designated prayer areas and not in open spaces.
Similarly, in Varanasi, Namaz was held at nearly 400 mosques and Eidgahs under strict security arrangements. Police monitored the situation through CCTV cameras and drone surveillance.
Action Against Social Media Posts
Police in Muzaffarnagar arrested two individuals accused of posting objectionable content related to Bakrid sacrifice on social media platforms. Officials said monitoring of online activities had been intensified to prevent the spread of communal tension during the festival.
Senior officers warned that anyone attempting to disturb communal harmony through online posts or rumours would face immediate legal action.
BSP Chief Extends Bakrid Greetings
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati extended greetings to Muslims in India and abroad on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. She appealed to people to celebrate all festivals with peace, harmony and brotherhood for the progress and welfare of the country.
Weather Alert Issued in Several Districts
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department issued alerts for strong winds, rain and storms in many districts of Uttar Pradesh during Bakrid celebrations. District administrations remained alert regarding possible weather-related emergencies while continuing security monitoring across the state.
Authorities stated that the overall situation remained peaceful and under control throughout the day, with police continuing strict surveillance in sensitive areas.
