With Eid approaching, Muslims in Aligarh have asked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for permission to offer Eid prayers on public roads. They argue that large gatherings are allowed for festivals like Holi and Kanwar Yatra, so their religious practice should also be permitted.
A Muslim community delegation presented a memorandum to the Aligarh District Magistrate on Thursday, contending that if roads are allowed for Holi celebrations and Kanwar processions, then a short 10-minute Namaz on Eid should also be permitted.
“When the streets can be taken over by Holi celebrants and Kanwar Yatra can go undisturbed, why is saying Eid prayers on the street for a few minutes an issue?,” asked one of the members of the delegation. “We want the same treatment for our religious practice.”
The government of Uttar Pradesh has imposed stringent laws against performing Namaz on roads in the interest of preventing traffic jams and public order. In areas such as Sambhal, authorities have already ordered that Eid prayers take place only at specified sites.
In order to have a peaceful celebration, state administrative officials are meeting with peace committees. “We want to keep things harmonious and not allow any scope for unrest,” said a district official on the condition of anonymity. The appeal of the Aligarh delegation has again fueled debates on religious equality in public places.
“We are asking for no more than the same respect shown to others,” averred another community leader. “If roads are closed for a festival, why not for our prayers?”
The state government remains to be seen responding to the appeal. Meanwhile, security is being beefed up throughout Uttar Pradesh to allow for a trouble-free and incident-free Eid celebration.
