Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 28 May: Eid-ul-Azha, or Bakr Eid, symbolising sacrifice and devotion, was celebrated peacefully across Uttarakhand amid tight security arrangements today. Thousands of people from the Muslim community gathered at mosques and Idgahs in Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital and several other districts to offer namaz and pray for peace, prosperity and communal harmony in the country.
In Dehradun, namaz was offered at different Idgahs across the city at scheduled timings from early morning. During the prayers, worshippers prayed for peace and brotherhood in the country. After offering namaz at the Idgah located on Chakrata Road, members of the Muslim Seva Sangathan raised a demand before the state and Central governments to declare the cow as the national animal and stop politics over the issue. Holding placards in their hands, office-bearers of the organisation appealed to the government to take a clear decision on the matter.
Organisation vice-president Aqib Qureshi said the issue of the cow was repeatedly being used for political purposes and members of the Muslim community were often targeted in the debate. He said the organisation had been demanding for a long time that the cow should be declared the national animal. He questioned that if the cow was truly a matter of faith and respect in the country, then why it was not officially declared the national animal. He added that raising the issue only during elections and for political gains was not appropriate and the government should adopt a clear policy on the matter.
In Haridwar district, too, Eid-ul-Azha was celebrated peacefully amid elaborate security arrangements. Heavy police deployment was made across the district on the directions of SSP Navneet Singh Bhullar, especially in sensitive areas where additional vigilance was maintained. The SSP personally inspected several locations and instructed police officials to remain alert and perform their duties strictly. Prior to the festival, peace committee meetings had also been organised in various police station and Kotwali areas to maintain communal harmony.
From early morning, large numbers of people from the Muslim community gathered at mosques and Idgahs across Haridwar district to offer namaz. Special prayers were offered for peace, prosperity and brotherhood in the country. At Madrasa Darul Uloom Rashidia in Jwalapur, thousands of worshippers participated in Eid prayers under tight security arrangements. After the prayers, people embraced one another and exchanged Eid greetings while giving the message of love, harmony and communal unity.
Madrasa Darul Uloom Rashidia manager Maulana Mohammad Arif supported the recent statement of Islamic scholar Maulana Arshad Madani regarding declaring the cow as the national animal. He said strict laws should be enacted to prevent cruelty towards cows and stringent action should be taken against those involved in illegal sale or mistreatment of cattle. He stated that if the cow was declared the national animal, tensions and disputes arising in society over the issue could be reduced significantly.
Maulana Arshad Madani had recently stated that the cow should be declared the national animal, saying such a step could help end politics, mob lynching and disputes being carried out in the name of the cow. He had also said that Muslims would have no objection if the government took such a decision.
Mohammad Arif also appealed to members of the Muslim community to ensure that no illegal sacrifice was carried out anywhere and that all sacrifices should strictly follow the rules framed by the administration. He stressed that no situation should arise that could disturb communal harmony and said mutual brotherhood and respect for all religions were essential for the country’s progress and social strength.
Meanwhile, in Nainital, Eid-ul-Azha namaz was offered peacefully at the DSA Ground following directions issued by the High Court. A large number of worshippers from the town and adjoining areas gathered at the ground and collectively prayed for peace, harmony and prosperity in the country. Following the court’s directions, the administration and police remained on high alert and extensive security arrangements were made in and around the DSA Ground. Police personnel remained deployed throughout the area and all activities were closely monitored. During his address, Maulana Mufti Syed appealed to people to maintain communal harmony and pray for peace and stability in the country.
In Uttarakhand, the festival concluded peacefully as the administration maintained a strict vigil and the religious leaders had also repeatedly appealed to the people to uphold social harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect during the celebrations.
