Story perspectives

UP Mandates Staggered Eid Prayers Under Police Watch

5/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Uttar Pradesh authorities ordered Muslims to hold Eid al-Adha prayers in staggered shifts under police scrutiny.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath warned that failure to follow the shift schedule could trigger additional measures.
Muslim leaders said Hindu processions receive police escorts and traffic diversions, while Muslim prayers face restrictions.
Mosque committees in Meerut and Aligarh work with police and assign volunteers to monitor crowd size and prevent video recordings.

History

Historical Context

The 6 December 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid by about 150,000 VHP and BJP kar-sevaks, overseen by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh, triggered nationwide riots that killed over 2,000 people and led the Supreme Court to intervene. Today, chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s order for staggered Eid al-Adha prayers echoes the state-driven regulation of Muslim gatherings first imposed after that demolition.

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Story summary

Uttar Pradesh authorities ordered Muslims to hold Eid al-Adha prayers in staggered shifts under police scrutiny.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath warned that failure to follow the shift schedule could trigger additional measures.
Muslim leaders said Hindu processions receive police escorts and traffic diversions, while Muslim prayers face restrictions.
Mosque committees in Meerut and Aligarh work with police and assign volunteers to monitor crowd size and prevent video recordings.

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