UP Govt is trying to ban Muharram processions : MP Zia ur Rahman Barq

Allegation of Zia ur Rahman Barq, Samajwadi Party’s MP from Sambhal

Samajwadi Party’s Sambhal MP Ziaur Rahman Barq

Sambhal (UP) – Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued guidelines for conducting Muharram processions peacefully. Cutting of electric wires, as well as trees for the procession is prohibited. There are also orders regarding the height of the Tazia (a miniature replica of the tomb of Imam Hussain. It is made in many shapes and sizes). Now Sambhal MP Zia ur Rahman Barq of Samajwadi Party has criticised this matter. He has said that the Government is trying to ban Muharram processions.

Order to reduce Tazia’s height is inappropriate

MP Zia ur Rahman Barq said in a press conference at his residence on the night of 14^thJuly that it is inappropriate that the Government has ordered to reduce the height of Tazia. Police and administrative officials should have given a copy of the Government’s order to the people’s representatives. The Police and the District administration did not try to find a middle way by holding a meeting with the Muharram Committee, as well as responsible persons from the Muslim community.

MP Barq alleged that signatures of the people from Muslim community were forcibly obtained by some Police and administrative officials. It is written that they are reducing Tazia’s height as per their own will. This is completely wrong.

• ‘We will halt Kanwar Yatra, Ramlila and Guru Nanak Jayanti if Muharram processions are restricted’

• Venomous statement of a member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has also criticised the UP Government over Tazia. Board member Mohammad Kamal Farooqui has threatened the Government with consequences. He said, ‘Government is imposing restrictions on Muharram processions. If restrictions are imposed on Muharram, Kanwar Yatra will also be halted. Ramlila and Guru Nanak Jayanti will also be banned’.

Editorial Perspectives

• Person making such a threat should have been in jail by now. The BJP Government in UP must take serious cognisance of this and take action.

• If someone had threatened to ‘ban Muharram’, there would have been a mayhem in the country and criticism at the international level that ‘India is unsafe for Muslims’; however, despite the provocative statements about Hindu religious festivals, everyone is quiet. Hindus need to act in a lawful manner to take action against the concerned !