The Uttar Pradesh (UP) clerics have objected to a notice released by the state government banning Muharram. The authorities have expressed consternation over the word 'festival' used to describe the event which will be on August, 19.
The UP administration has banned Muharram processions owing to the pandemic and Covid-19 protocols. In a "confidential and very important" letter sent to Superintendents of Police (SPs), and Director General of Police (DGP) of state Mukul Goel has directed that Muharram must be celebrated in the state in compliance with covid-19 rules. No cavalcade (called tazia) is allowed to be taken out during the 10 days from August 10 to 19, which are the final days of the Muharram.
Terming the situation during this period as "extremely sensitive", the DGP has asked to keep eye on particular areas where procession have taken place during Muharram and take initiative to keep things normal. Also police forces must be deployed in delicate areas, the police chief further said. He has also guided that all the penetration in festival registers available in various police stations of the state must be studied, and for the separate route permission should not be granted.
All the police officers have been instructed that one day before the beginning of the month, strict surveillance should be carried out of content on social media. If it will be uploaded then such content must be blocked, he has directed the police officials, the DGP said in his letter.
Demanding that the guidelines be withdrawn, the All India Shia Personal Law Board conducted a meeting on Monday to discuss the matter.
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