SP MLA Abu Azmi, Who Glorified Aurangzeb, Says 'Don’t Throw Colour on Muslims Without…’

New Delhi: Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi, who recently sparked controversy for glorifying the infamous Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, said that festivals should not be politicized following reports of several mosques being covered with tarpaulin sheets ahead of Holi celebrations.

“There is no need to politicize festivals... I urge everyone celebrating Holi tomorrow to enjoy the festival enthusiastically, but refrain from throwing color on any Muslim without consent. Namaaz can be offered at home in cases of necessity, but ‘Jumme ki Namaaz’ should still be offered at the mosque,” Azmi told ANI.

Mosques in Uttar Pradesh Covered with Tarpaulin Sheets

In Uttar Pradesh, following local administration directives, several mosques were covered with tarpaulin sheets in preparation for Holi. The move was intended to prevent any potential incidents and maintain communal harmony during the festivities. 

For instance, the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, was covered with a tarpaulin sheet on Wednesday based on the administration's instructions, as reported by ANI. 

Azmi further requested his Muslim community to stay calm and avoid any conflicts. "If someone throws color on you, do not engage in a fight. This is the month of forgiveness and brotherhood. The covering of mosques is to prevent color from being thrown on them, which could lead to a dispute,” he said.

The town has a unique tradition of celebrating Holi, which includes the 'Laat Sahab' procession. During this event, a person is chosen as 'Laat Sahab' and placed on a buffalo cart, where people throw colors, shoes, and slippers at him, a custom that has been followed for over 300 years.

Security Arrangements in Place

Superintendent of Police Rajesh S. told ANI, "We started peace committee meetings a month ago and requested the necessary number of security forces. Around 3,500 security personnel will be deployed. Mosques on both sides of the Laat Sahib procession have been covered, and we are monitoring them with drones and CCTV. All security measures have been put in place.”