Meerut (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 28 (ANI): Chandra Shekhar Aazad, the MP from the Aazad Samaj Party-Kanshi Ram, on Thursday strongly criticised the Meerut police for its warning against offering Eid namaz on the roads, alleging that the police officers in Uttar Pradesh are engaged in a 'competition' to make provocative statements aimed at Muslims in a bid for publicity.

'In UP, there is a competition among the police officers that who will give more disgusting statements against Muslims, which will create publicity. The police are not the court. They do not have any right to cancel passports...I think Muslims will have to get permission even to breathe in the coming times. UP government and central government should see what is happening to their officials...'

The Meerut police recently warned that offering Eid prayers on roads could lead to legal action, citing concerns over law and order.

Earlier in the day, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Kishan also questioned the practice of offering Namaz on the streets, urging both Hindus and Muslims to celebrate their festivals without disturbing the public.

'It is the responsibility of Hindus as well as Muslims to celebrate your festivals without troubling the public. All the scholars and Maulanas say that Namaz is accepted in the Mosque. Who started this practice on the streets?' Kishan said while speaking to ANI.

This follows remarks made by Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Vandana Mishra, who stated that Namaz should not be conducted on the streets.

Earlier, a peace committee meeting was held in Sambhal to discuss the arrangements for the upcoming festivals, including Navaratri, Eid, and Mahanavami. Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Vandana Mishra, addressed the concerns raised during the meeting.

Speaking to ANI, SDM Mishra said, 'A peace committee meeting has been held in view of the upcoming festivals. There is Navaratri festival, Eid and Mahanavami. A meeting was held regarding this. The people present during the meeting raised several issues. It was decided that Namaz should not be read on the roads and they have agreed to this.'

She further added, 'Apart from this, there were discussions regarding the use of microphones and loudspeakers, which was denied. The permission to read Namaz on the terrace near the Masjid will only be given after proper investigation.'

Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary also addressed the gathering, saying, 'If you want to serve Eid's Sevaiyan, you will have to eat Gujia too. Every individual has the freedom to celebrate their festival. Our aim is that the peace and order of the place where we live should not be disturbed.' (ANI)