Police deny permission for Mela in memory of Ghaznavi's nephew

A POLICE OFFICER SAID ANOTHER COMMUNITY RAISED OBJECTIONS OVER THE FAIR, AND IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY, PERMISSION HAD BEEN DENIED

- Deepak Lavania

MEERUT: The Neja Mela, traditionally held in Sambhal to commemorate Syed Salar Masood Ghazi, nephew of foreign invader Mahmud Ghaznavi, will not take place this year. The Mela committee had sought permission for the event from the additional superintendent of police, but the latter refused, citing public objections over the fair organised in memory of a person who looted Somnath Temple.

Ghaznavi attacked India 17 times between 1000 and 1027 AD. During this time, he also attacked many big temples including Somnath Temple, a symbol of faith of Hindus.

ASP Shrish Chandra emphasized that Masood Ghazi was responsible for large-scale atrocities in India, including the looting of the Somnath Temple. "Supporting a historical invader is unacceptable, even if the tradition is centuries old," he added.