A large Muharram procession passed through Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday night, and the most talked about sight of the evening was at the city's most sensitive spot, Shiv Chowk, where the temple standing on the crossing was covered with red cloth. Police and the administration took the step to head off any disturbance or tension while the procession moved through.
The route had been fixed in advance. The procession began at Moti Mahal in the city, moved through Khalapar and pushed ahead via Shiv Chowk. Because Shiv Chowk has a temple that stands as a symbol of Hindu faith, the location is treated as highly sensitive during a Muharram procession. That is exactly why the temple was draped in red cloth, barricades were placed on all sides of the chowk, and extra police were stationed there so there was no room for any mischief or trouble.
Hundreds take part, procession stays peaceful
Hundreds of people from the Muslim community took part in the procession. Following the fixed route, it moved past Shiv Chowk and proceeded entirely peacefully. Senior officers stayed on the streets themselves and kept watch over the situation along with a heavy police force.
What the ASP said about the arrangements
Muzaffarnagar ASP Siddharth K Mishra said this was the procession on the seventh day of Muharram. He said, “In Muzaffarnagar this is a very big procession, which starts from Moti Mahal and goes back to Moti Mahal via Khalapar. With this in mind, special arrangements were made today by the police administration. A large number of police personnel were deployed so that everyone's sentiments are protected and the procession is completed peacefully. This procession will soon be fully completed and preparations will be made for the processions to follow.”
The ASP added, “Red cloth has been placed on the temple, barricading has been done, and along with keeping traffic smooth and respecting everyone's faith, additional force has been provided for the procession from here. The procession has moved out of here well and peacefully.” In all, the effort of the administration was to keep the faith of both communities respected and to maintain peace in the city.
