Lucknow, March 31 (PTI) Eid prayers were held on Monday in Uttar Pradesh amid security using AI-powered drones, social media surveillance and real-time surveillance, officials said, but some people were injured and at least three people were taken into custody due to slight clashes at Meerut during the celebration.
In Aligall, some people were wearing black armbands in protest of the proposed WAQF bill pending in Congress, suspecting the excesses of some Muslims around the world.
Otherwise, the celebration was filled with great joy. Uttar Pradesh Police Chief Prashant Kumar said prayers were peacefully detained in more than 31,500 mosques and other designated locations.
In Saharanpur, a group of people are said to have raised the slogan after waving the Palestinian flag and offering Eid prayers. Police (city) director Vyom Bindal said the issue came to their notice through social media videos and actions being taken.
In Moradabad, some people tried to pray on the road due to overcrowding in Eidga, but police arranged a second “jamaat” on the property. “This step was taken for the safety of our followers and the arrangement was successfully implemented,” said additional SP (City) Ranvijay Singh.
The Aid congregations were held elsewhere, including Ameti (213 mosques), Varanasi, Rampur, Prayagraj, Gonda, Jansi, and Kaushambi.
Prime Minister Yogi Aditinat has extended Eid’s greeting to those tracking social media posts into the trough.
In Lucknow, Eid prayers were held at Aishbag Idaga, led by Maulana Khalid Rashid Rashid Fangi Mahari. Samajwadi Party chief Akhileshyadav, deputy CM Brajeshespatak, Danish Minister Azad, former deputy CM Dineshsharma and UP Congress President Ajairai attended the event and extended Eid’s greetings.
Deputy Police Commissioner (DCP) East Vishwajeet Srivastava said, “Security is being enhanced in all areas of EID. Surveillance is being carried out using CCTV and AI-powered drones. A small brawl between the two escalated into a violent clash between two factions in the Jani area community of Meerut during the Eid celebration. Police have yet to confirm the number, but several people are allegedly injured in the violence.
“Three people have been detained. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest others involved in the violence,” said police (rural) superintendent Rakesh Kumar Mishra.
Additionally, while several posters were seen in the city during celebrations that questioned the ban on catfish on the streets, other festivals like Ganesh Puja, Holi, Diwali and Kanwar Yatra allowed congregations and celebrations on the streets.
Rohit Agarwal, a spokesman for BJP Ally RLD, questioned the ban on street prayers.
“Like Holi and Diwali, Eid is an event once a year, and if catfish are allowed on the street for 30 minutes, heaven won’t fall,” he said in a video clip she shared on social media.
In Prayagraj, thousands of people gathered in Igga for prayer under strict safety. Mutawalli (Caretaker) Mohammad Sohaib Mian Farooqi urged people to pray within designated facilities rather than spilling them on the streets.
A similar order was enacted in Aligaru, with local authorities guaranteeing that congregation prayers at Adagar, Shahamal and Jamamasujid, Upperkot, would be held without intrusion into roads and pavements.
The BJP MP, from Aligaru, Satish Gautam, has dismissed allegations that Muslims in nearby Sambal were victimized due to violence against the investigation of the mosque last year. “In Yogi Raj, anyone who breaks the law should be ready to face consequences,” he said.
He also defended the restrictions on prayer on the road, saying, “There is no right to block traffic by praying outside the mosque. Such confusion does not occur outside the temple during the Hindu festival.” At Sambhal, social worker Saeed Akhtar Israeli, along with his team, showered petals on mosques stationed in the area, as well as police and administrators.
Sambhal Mp Zia ur Rehman Barq said, “I deeply regret the ban (catfish on the street). Our constitution is secular, and we should not give freedom to all religions and celebrate the festival. In terms of security, AI-powered drones were deployed in sensitive areas, and PAC personnel were placed to maintain order. Social media surveillance was intensifying, and authorities warned of strict actions against attempts to disrupt peace.
In Varanasi, Eid prayers were held peacefully in the city’s mosques, including the famous Gyambapi and Nedesar Mosque, amid strict safety.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Kasizon Gaurav Banswar said, “The people prayed peacefully in the mosque, and no one prayed on the streets.” Eidmoon was spotted last night, and then people observing “Rosa” quickly broke and prepared for the celebration.
Mathura witnessed prayers in Shahi Edaga and other prominent mosques under strict safety.
In Bareilly, the main congregations took place at Bakargan Idaga. Special prayers were also given for the prosperity of the nation and the happiness of Palestinian Muslims. PTI KIS TIR TIR
