"What have we made out of our festivals?": Manoj Jha questions precautionary measures for Holi

New Delhi [India], March 14 (ANI): RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha on Friday questioned the need for precautionary measures during Holi and Jumma, saying that similar situations in 2022 didn't cause any issues.
Speaking to ANI, Jha said, "In 2022, too, on March 18, Holi and Jumma fell on the same day and nothing happened. These new exercises of making extreme statements are not right. What have we made out of our festivals? More than celebrating, we are worried that no mishap should take place. Is this how festivals should be celebrated?"
His statement comes as police officials take precautions to maintain law and order, as Holi and Friday prayers during Ramzan coincide this year.
Earlier today, Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) KK Bishnoi on Friday addressed arrangements for Holi celebrations in Sambhal, stating that processions for the festival will be permitted across the city.
SP Bishnoi further said that Friday Prayers would be offered after 2:30 pm."Processions for the Holi will be taken out; Holi will be celebrated in all parts of the city before, and people will play it before 2:30 PM. Proper police deployment is in place. I hope this Holi will bring happiness to all. After 2:30 PM, Friday prayers (Jumme ki Namaz) will be offered," he said.
Earlier in the day, Sambhal, Circle Officer Anuj Chowdhary led a flag march along with other police personnel to ensure the law and order situation in the district.
The circle officer Chaudhary said that the police are monitoring the situation through foot patrolling and drone surveillance. "We are conducting foot-patrolling and drone surveillance", he told ANI on Friday.
Other than police, paramilitary forces also conducted a flag march in Sambhal, whereas the administration is using drones for proper monitoring of the situation in the district.
The mosques in Aligarh and Jama Masjid in Sambhal were covered with tarpaulin sheets as a precautionary measure following a decision by the local administration.
On Wednesday, in view of security arrangements, Sambhal ASP Shreesh Chandra said all ten religious places on the traditional route taken by the Holi procession would be covered so that no sentiments would be hurt.
"All 10 religious places that fall on the traditional route taken by the Holi procession will be covered so that no sentiments are hurt. There have been talks and agreement between the two sides on this," Chandra told ANI. (ANI)