A day after saying no to 'Neja Mela', Sambhal police on alert

THE FAIR, HELD ON THE SECOND TUESDAY AFTER HOLI, IS PRECEDED BY THE PITCHING OF A 30-FT POLE WITH A GREEN FLAG ON TOP IN THE MELA GROUND ON FIRST TUESDAY.

- Deepak Lavania

MEERUT: A day after Sambhal police denied permission to the organisers for the annual 'Neja Mela' held to commemorate Syed Salar Masud Ghazi, nephew of foreign invader Mahmud Ghaznavi, the police on Tuesday cemented the pit where a pole used to be pitched even as leaders of many parties reacted to the issue and mela committee president said he will move the court.

The fair, held on the second Tuesday after Holi, is preceded by the pitching of a 30-ft pole with a green flag on top in the mela ground on first Tuesday. However, this year, the administration categorically refused to allow the event.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Kumar Bishnoi said there was peace in the area. "Strict monitoring of social media is being carried out to prevent misinformation or attempts to incite unrest. Anyone found spreading rumours will face strict legal action," he warned.