The holy month of Ramzan-ul-Mubarak is reaching its final stage. Today, 'Alvida Juma' (the last Friday of Ramzan) is being observed across Uttar Pradesh with immense devotion and caution. Unprecedented security arrangements have been made in sensitive districts of the state, especially Varanasi, Lucknow, Meerut, and Prayagraj. The historic Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi is currently at the center of attention, where, in view of the heavy rush of namazis, a decision has been taken for the first time to offer prayers in two shifts. From the Chief Minister’s Office to the local administration, a hawk-eyed vigil is being maintained at every nook and corner to ensure peace and harmony.
Gyanvapi: A Surge of Faith and a Strict Security Ring
The atmosphere around the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi appears to have turned into a virtual fortress today. Thousands of Muslim devotees are gathering to offer prayers at the Gyanvapi Mosque.
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Prayers in Two Shifts: Considering the limited space and the increasing number of devotees, the administration and the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee have mutually agreed to conduct prayers in two shifts. The first shift is scheduled for 12:30 PM and the second shift for 1:30 PM (as per the prescribed timing).
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Access Control: Entry into the mosque is being restricted to a fixed number of people. Along with the compliance of court orders regarding the Wazukhana and other sensitive areas, the security perimeter remains extremely tight.
Vigil at Every Corner: 'Zero Tolerance' Policy
The Uttar Pradesh Police has declared a High Alert across the state. Following directives from the DGP Headquarters, several companies of PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) and RAF (Rapid Action Force) have been deployed in sensitive areas.
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Drone Surveillance: In the narrow lanes of old areas in Varanasi, Meerut, and Lucknow, monitoring is being conducted via drone cameras. Special search operations were carried out to ensure there are no stones or other suspicious materials on rooftops.
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Ban on Prayers on Streets: According to clear instructions from the State Government, offering prayers on public roads or paths has not been permitted under any circumstances. Religious leaders have also appealed that prayers should only be offered inside mosque premises or Eidgahs.
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Active Social Media Cell: To prevent rumors, the police's Cyber Cell is monitoring social media platforms 24/7. Warnings of immediate and strict action have been issued against those posting provocative content.
Peace Committee Meetings and Message of Brotherhood
To ensure this special day passes peacefully, district administrations have held 'Peace Committee' meetings over the past week. Prominent citizens from both Hindu and Muslim communities have come together to ensure that mutual brotherhood is maintained during the festival.
"Alvida Juma is a day of worship and prayers for us. We are fully cooperating with the administration so that there is no hindrance in the security arrangements." — Local Religious Leader, Varanasi.
Conclusion
Alvida Juma is not just a symbol of the farewell of Ramzan, but also heralds the arrival of the upcoming 'Eid-ul-Fitr'. The alertness of the Uttar Pradesh administration demonstrates that maintaining law and order is their top priority. The organization of prayers in two shifts at sensitive locations like Gyanvapi is not only a better example of crowd management but also reflects administrative wisdom.
Reports of prayers being completed peacefully are coming in from across the state until evening, which is a combined result of UP's Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb (syncretic culture) and strict governance.
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