Mumbai: Maharashtra Samajwadi Party leader and MLA Abu Asim Azmi has appealed to the countrymen not to throw colors on Muslims during Jumme ki Namaaz on Holi and has also requested Muslims to show patience and restraint.

He said that if colors are thrown on someone knowingly or unknowingly, they should be patient as communal forces are trying to spoil the atmosphere. He said that Friday of Holi and Ramzan is the same day in the country and Jumme ki Namaaz is very beneficial. This prayer and worship cannot be done at home, so Muslims go to the mosque in large numbers for Jumme ki Namaaz. In such a situation, miscreants also try to spread chaos. Muslims should be careful in such a situation.

Along with this, I also appeal to my countrymen to show brotherhood and Hindus and Muslims should celebrate the festival together. This is the beauty of this country, but communal elements are trying to spoil it.

Lucknow, March 13: With Holi and the second Friday of Ramzan coinciding this year, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, a senior Sunni cleric, has issued an advisory urging communal harmony and peaceful celebrations.

The overlap of the festival and the Jumma prayers on March 14 has led to political tensions, prompting discussions on adjusting prayer and celebration timings to ensure order.

In several areas, local communities have taken initiatives to modify the schedule. Some mosques have decided to extend their prayer timings, while in certain places, Holi processions have been rescheduled or shortened.

Addressing the situation in a video message, Maulana Khalid Rasheed said, “The Islam Centre of India has issued an advisory to extend the timing of mosques, and our Hindu brothers have also adjusted Holi processions at many places.”

He further urged people to remain vigilant against misinformation.

“We hope that both communities will celebrate this day according to their religion and faith. There should be no confusion or rumours, and everyone should ignore any misinformation. This day should be observed in a peaceful atmosphere, setting an example of religious harmony for the world,” he added.

The advisory comes amid heightened security in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal, where mosques are being covered with tarpaulin sheets as a precautionary measure.

This step follows last year’s violent protests triggered by a court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid, which some believe stands on the site of a demolished Vishnu temple. The incident led to clashes and fatalities, prompting local authorities to ensure no disruption during the upcoming festivals.

Meanwhile, Holi celebrations in Sambhal began with the Rangbhari Ekadashi festivities, a five-day event leading up to the main celebrations on Friday.

Authorities are closely monitoring the developments, emphasising the need for cooperation to maintain peace and order.

Mumbai: Mumbai Police is on alert in view of Holi. Mumbai Police has also issued orders to take strict action against those driving vehicles after drinking alcohol during Holi. Instructions have been issued to take strict action against those misbehaving and abusing women, drug smugglers and those selling liquor illegally. Holi will be celebrated as Dholi Vandana or Rang Panchami on March 13 and March 14.

Mumbai Police has claimed to make special arrangements for Holi. 7 additional commissioners, 19 DCPs, 51 ACPs, 1767 police officers, 1945 jawans, SRPF platoon, RPF platoon, QRT team, BDDS squad, Home Guard have been deployed on Holi under the leadership of Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Panchalkar, Special Commissioner Devin Bharti and Joint Police Commissioner Satyanarayan Chaudhary. Blockades have been done at many places. Police has also launched a special campaign against those driving vehicles after drinking alcohol.

If someone creates chaos in public places after consuming alcohol, action will be taken against him. A special campaign has also been launched against people with criminal records.