Asaduddin Owaisi criticizes advice for Muslims to stay indoors or cover themselves during Holi. He stated, "We are not cowards; who are they to dictate our prayers?"
UP News: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi bly objected to the advice given to Muslims to stay indoors during Holi. He declared, 'We are not cowards; we will not flee.' Owaisi termed this statement as discriminatory against a particular community and deemed it unacceptable.
Owaisi opposes advice for Muslims to stay indoors
Owaisi criticized statements suggesting that if Muslims did not want to be colored during Holi, they should remain indoors. This statement was made by Anuj Chaudhary, a police officer from Sambhal district, UP, on March 6th, and received support from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Owaisi attacks CM Yogi's statement
Owaisi also questioned the statement made by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He said, 'Some people say you shouldn't offer prayers and should stay indoors. They say that just as we have covered our mosques, we should also cover ourselves. Who are they to tell us what to do and what not to do?'
'Those who went to Pakistan were cowards' – Owaisi
Owaisi stated that those who migrated to Pakistan during partition were cowards. He emphatically added, 'We will not flee; we are not cowards. A Chief Minister is saying that Friday prayers can be offered at home. Who are they to tell us this?'
Tight security during Holi and Friday prayers
This year, Holi on March 14th coincided with the second Friday prayers of Ramadan. Consequently, security was heightened in many states. Security forces conducted flag marches and established checkpoints to maintain law and order.
Several mosques in Uttar Pradesh were covered with tarpaulins to prevent any untoward incidents. SDM Vandana Mishra of Sambhal justified this decision, stating it was taken to maintain harmony between both communities.
