Alvida Namaz today: Police conduct flag march outside Sambhal’s Jama Masjid ahead of Friday prayers — VIDEO

Alvida Namaz today: The Rapid Action Force and police personnel conducted a flag march outside the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday — the day of 'Alvida Namaz' ( which refers to the special prayers on the last Friday of Ramzan).

Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh remains at the centre of a controversy since November 24 last year when violence erupted in the city's Kot Garvi locality during a survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid.

The incident led to the death of four people due to gunfire while several people including police personnel sustained injuries, new agency PTI reported.

The Mughal-era mosque also faces a legal dispute after a petition claimed it was the site of an ancient Hindu temple.

Friday namaz on roads, rooftops prohibited

Speaking about the preparations for ‘Alvida’ prayers, ASP Shreesh Chandra told PTI that adequate police deployment has been planned under the sector and zone system to ensure peaceful observance.

Meanwhile, the Sambhal administration also issued instructions to ensure that 'namaz' is offered only at Eidgahs and mosques and not on roads.

Chandra said during a peace committee meeting that some people inquired whether namaz could be offered on rooftops.

It was clarified to them that crowds on rooftops could lead to accidents and hence, such gatherings were discouraged and prohibited.

Similarly, offering namaz on roads has also been prohibited due to safety concerns and potential traffic disruptions, he said.

"There are no restrictions on offering namaz in the traditional way inside mosques and Eidgahs, and they will be conducted peacefully according to tradition," ASP Chandra said.

He emphasised that for several years, authorities have ensured that namaz is not offered on roads and this rule remains unchanged this year as well.

Police further clarified that mosques with small loudspeakers would continue their practice without interference.

(With inputs from PTI)