Police, PAC, RRF men guard Sambhal

The Uttar Pradesh Police has tightened security measures while sounding an alert for Holi celebrations, which are coinciding this time with the Friday prayers, amid controversial remarks from politicians and even government officials.

- HT Correspondent

LUCKNOW:

On Monday, BJP leader and minister Raghuraj Singh stoked a row when he asked Muslim men to cover themselves with tarpaulin sheets when they go to mosques to offer Friday's namaz on Holi.

This remark came days after a senior police officer in Sambhal commented that those who felt uncomfortable with Holi colours should stay indoors as the festival came only once a year, whereas Juma namaz (Friday prayers) took place 52 times in a year. In the wake of such controversies, DGP Prashant Kumar has issued stern directives to maintain peace and prevent any law-and-order problem on Holi.

He directed that leave of all police officers and personnel would be cancelled till March 20 so that they would remain on duty during Holi celebrations on Thursday and Friday.