Uproar over Eid Prayers in UP: Clashes with Police in Meerut and Moradabad, Palestinian Flag Raised in Saharanpur; Akhilesh Yadav Accuses BJP of Authoritarianism.
UP News: Special prayers were offered at Eidgahs and mosques across Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr 2025. However, a ban on offering prayers on roads led to several clashes between police and worshippers in various locations. The most significant tensions were reported in Meerut, Moradabad, and Saharanpur, where the administration had to take strict measures.
Meerut: Confrontation over Access to Eidgah, Police Intervention
In Meerut, clashes erupted between police and worshippers attempting to access the Eidgah. The administration closed all entry points after the Eidgah reached capacity for security reasons, leading to angry confrontations with the police. The police managed to control the situation and later allowed people to offer prayers in staggered shifts.
Moradabad: Eidgah Overflow, Protest over Street Prayers
The Eidgah in the Galshahid area of Moradabad has a capacity of approximately 30,000 people, but significantly more arrived on Monday morning. Once the Eidgah was full, police prevented further entry. Some people, angered by this, attempted to offer prayers on the road, prompting police intervention. The administration arranged for additional prayer shifts to de-escalate the situation.
Saharanpur: Palestinian Flag Displayed after Prayers
Eid prayers were conducted peacefully in Saharanpur, but some individuals later displayed Palestinian flags in support of Palestine. Additionally, some worshippers wore black armbands to register their protest. Police and the administration maintained a close watch on the situation, deploying heavy security to prevent any untoward incidents.
Lucknow: Akhilesh Yadav Stopped by Police
In Lucknow, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav visited the Aishbagh Eidgah, where he leveled serious accusations against the administration. He stated, "I have never seen such extensive barricading before; I was prevented from entering. I could only come with great difficulty. This is authoritarianism, that I couldn't participate in a festival of another religion."
Furthermore, Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the central and state governments, claiming they posed the biggest threat to the Indian Constitution. He accused the BJP of diverting attention from real issues and allowing corruption to escalate.
Stringent Security Measures, Police on High Alert in Several Districts
In view of Eid, the police and administration in various districts of Uttar Pradesh were on high alert. Additional security forces were deployed in several sensitive areas. Meerut, Moradabad, Saharanpur, and Lucknow witnessed heightened vigilance. Police also monitored the situation using drone cameras to prevent any untoward incidents.
