Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], March 13 (ANI): Maulana Sajid Rashidi, the President of the All India Imam Association has strongly criticised Uttar Pradesh's local administration order to cover mosques during Holi alleging that this is a 'conspiracy' to weaken Muslims and encourage hooligans.

Condemning the order, Rashidi stated that targeting Muslims and issuing orders in the name of mosques is 'unconstitutional'.

Rashidi said, 'Targeting Muslims and issuing orders in the name of mosques is unconstitutional. This is a conspiracy to weaken Muslims and encourage hooligans. I condemn this.'

He further called the order of the Sambhal administration to cover the mosques a 'Tughlaqi farmaan' which was never witnessed in the history of India.

Alleging that such orders are always issued only for Muslims, the All India Imam Association asked the administration to ensure no Hindu throws colour on Muslims or 'create ruckus' in front of the mosque.

He said, 'The order of the Sambhal administration to cover the mosques is a Tughlaqi order, such an order has never been heard in the history since independence. Why are all the orders only for Muslims and mosques? Sometimes it is said that Muslims should stay at home, not to come out on Holi and now an order has been issued to cover the mosques. Why is no such order issued for Hindus that Holi colour should not be thrown on any Muslim who is going for Namaaz, why are they not told not to wander around the mosque or else action will be taken... Muslims are not so helpless. Do not take undue advantage of the silence of Muslims. The administration should ensure that no Hindu throws colour on Muslims, or create a ruckus in front of the mosque.'

His reaction follows the decision by the local administration in Uttar Pradesh after which several mosques were covered with tarpaulin sheets ahead of the Holi festival. The move aims to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain communal harmony during the celebrations. (ANI)