In a shocking incident, more than six people were injured as violence erupted between two groups after the Eid prayer on Monday in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Police said the groups clashed after the Eid prayer at a local mosque in which bullets were fired from both groups.
The incident took place at the Siwalkhas town in Meerut. Meanwhile, confrontations of violence surfaced between police and Muslim performing their prayers at the designated Eidgha for prayers at which officers attempted to disperse the group after controversy of them going to multiple prayer sites rather than the designated Eidgah.
Once the Eidgahs had reached full capacity, law enforcement shut down road access in their direction with riot control vehicles. Certain individuals experienced complications in the encounter with the police that resulted in confrontations; however, overall situations remained in check due to the robust police force’s presence. When the prayers concluded, all vehicles were removed from the roadway.
Due to tremendous gatherings, the authorities made strict security arrangements in the major cities in UP. As part of the security arrangements, senior police officers and paramilitary forces conducted flag marches to maintain law and order. Additionally, an increase in surveillance, for the purposes of ensuring a smooth and peaceful celebration, was initiated.
The Islamic Center of India has recommended worshippers offer namaz within designated Eidgahs and mosques instead of on public roads. This recommendation is to avoid congestion and help maintain public order during the festival. The police made elaborate arrangements in Sambhal, which was put on high alert. 1,300 CCTV cameras, seven Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) companies and three Rapid Action Force (RAF) units were deployed as needed for monitoring.
Drone cameras were also used to carry out the aerial surveillance in the sensitive zones. In Sambhal there was also an argument about who was going to lead the Eid prayers. There was a disagreement in relation to the Idgah Imam and a local Qari, which led to a discussion at the Kotwali police station; the argument was resolved peacefully.
