UP Government Cites 'Law and Order', Blocks Urs Events in Ayodhya, Barabanki

The event in Ayodhya was refused permission after a VHP complaint that alleged that it was being organised under the name of Ghazi Baba, referring to Saiyad Salar Masud Ghazi, a semi-legendary military figure from the 11th century popularly believed to be a nephew of Ghaznavid ruler Mahmud of Ghazni.

The Wire Staff

up government cites law and order blocks urs events in ayodhya barabanki

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Photo: PTI.

New Delhi: Two annual Urs ceremonies to be organised in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya and Barabanki have been refused permission with authorities citing law and order concerns.

The Urs to be organised at the shrine of Dada Miya in Khanpur Masodha area of Ayodhya was refused permission after a complaint filed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Times of India has reported. The report said that the event in Barabanki, on the other hand, relating to the Urs of Syed Shakeel Baba to be held in the Phoolpur area, was denied permission due to concerns of potential unrest.

In Ayodhya, the VHP complainant alleged that the gathering was being organised in the name of "Ghazi Baba" – a reference to Syed Salar Masood – a semi-legendary military figure from the 11th century popularly believed to be a nephew of Ghaznavid ruler Mahmud of Ghazni.

Ayodhya circle officer Ashutosh Tiwari said that the permission which was granted under the name of "Urs Dada Miya" was revoked after it was found that the event was being organised under the name of Ghazi baba.

Earlier in March, police in Sambhal had outlawed an age-old fair – the Neja Mela – held by the Muslim community to commemorate Saiyad Salar Masud Ghazi. Police had then said while denying permission an event to honour an “invader,” “plunderer” and “murderer” would not be allowed to be held even if it had been traditionally organised year after year.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after forming the government in Uttar Pradesh and the centre has honoured Suheldev, Ghazi’s alleged slayer, with a new memorial, a superfast train running from Ghazipur to Delhi, a new university and a stamp, among other things to reach out to the backward caste Hindus.

For the Urs event in Barabanki, additional SP Vikas Tripathi said that "some disputes have emerged that may lead to communal tension" which has led the administration to refuse permission.

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