A controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district after a group of people were arrested for allegedly offering namaz collectively at a private property in the Jam Samant village without obtaining prior permission from the authorities. The incident came to light after a Hindu organisation shared a video of the gathering on social media. The police have arrested four people and are conducting raids to apprehend three others, including the village pradhan. The incident has sparked tensions in the predominantly Muslim village, with police forces deployed to prevent any untoward incidents.
Controversy Erupts in Uttar Pradesh Over Unauthorized Namaz Gathering
A recent incident in Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh has sparked controversy and raised questions about religious freedom in India. A group of people were arrested for allegedly offering namaz collectively at a private property without prior permission from the authorities.
Background
In India, there are specific guidelines issued by the Supreme Court and state governments regarding the use of public spaces for religious gatherings. These guidelines aim to maintain law and order and prevent conflicts between different religious groups.
In Uttar Pradesh, the Uttar Pradesh Non-Communal Violence and Damage to Public and Private Property Prevention Act, 2021, prohibits any person from organizing or participating in unauthorized religious gatherings that may disturb public order.
Incident
On Friday, July 15, 2022, a Hindu organization shared a video on social media showing a group of people offering namaz at a private farm in Jam Samant village, Bareilly. The video purportedly showed that the gathering was unauthorized and had not received prior permission from the authorities.
The police acted swiftly and arrested four people in connection with the incident. Raids are being conducted to apprehend three other individuals, including the village pradhan (head).
Reactions
The incident has sparked tensions in the predominantly Muslim village. Police forces have been deployed to prevent any untoward incidents. The Hindu organization that shared the video has alleged that the gathering was an attempt to provoke communal tensions.
Muslim leaders in the village have condemned the incident and urged community members to maintain peace. They have also asked the authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that justice is done.
FAQs
1. Can people offer namaz collectively at private properties?
Yes, people can offer namaz collectively at private properties as long as they have obtained prior permission from the authorities and it does not disturb public order.
2. What is the legal basis for the arrests in Bareilly?
The arrests were made under the Uttar Pradesh Non-Communal Violence and Damage to Public and Private Property Prevention Act, 2021, which prohibits unauthorized religious gatherings.
3. Have there been similar incidents in the past?
Yes, there have been several incidents of unauthorized religious gatherings in Uttar Pradesh in the past. In 2021, over 20 people were arrested for offering namaz in a public park in Prayagraj.
4. What is the current situation in Jam Samant village?
The situation in the village remains tense, but under control. Police forces are deployed to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents.
5. What are the concerns raised by this incident?
This incident raises concerns about the protection of religious freedom in India, the potential for communal tensions, and the need for transparent and fair enforcement of laws regulating religious gatherings.
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