Sambhal Police Officer’s Holi Remarks Spark Controversy, Opposition Demands Action:

An officer from Sambhal police stated on Thursday that those who do not wish to be coloured during Holi should stay indoors for the day as it comes only once in a year, drawing opposition from the parties who demanded actions against him saying such remarks are proof of ‘bias’ an officer should not have. SBC 1185668K As part of the arrangements made during the forthcoming Holi festival, a peace committee meeting was held at the Sambhal Kotwali on Wednesday which falls on the same day people offer Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramzan. Anuj Chaudhury, CO Circle Officer, in his remarks following the meeting said, “Holi is a festival that comes once a year whereas Friday prayers happen 52 times in a year. If any person has an issue with the colours of Holi, then they do not need to leave the house. Those that are with a little more open-mindedness can, but those who are, will not.” He stepped out to elaborate what he meant by that: Festivals are there to be enjoyed, not to be just tolerated. He added systematically that everyone must promote the peaceful coexistence and attentive policing of the law. Additionally, he reported that the strategy for peace committee celebrations has in fact been rolling out for a month at all levels.

Chaudhary encouraged both groups to understand each other's feelings and also requested to refrain from unilaterally putting colours on those who do not consent to participate.

“Eid is cherished by Muslims as much as Hindus cherish Holi. Each festival has its joyous moments where people sing, share delicious dishes, and most importantly spread the joy. Also, Eid wouldn't be complete without scrumptious meals, festive hugs, and Eid clothes. Both festivals embrace togetherness and respect,” he added.

“If someone doesn’t want colour, color should not be forced. This is applicable to both communities equally,” he added.

As part of reiterating the commitment of the administration to peace, he issued a warning that any interference in communal harmony would be treated with harsh measures.

In response, the spokesperson of the Samajwadi Party said Sharvendra Bikram Singh went too far while criticizing and saying the words of officers do not have to “act like BJP agents”.

“It is as if to gain favour of the chief minister, the officers say what he says. These officers should not get away with making biased statements and claiming that officers should not be working for the Government,” he said.

Uttar Pradesh Congress Media Committee’s vice chairman Manish Hindvi stated, “Somebody in a position of authority or power must, needs to be neutral. Without that, governance in this country will be impossible and it will be total chaos.” “Any officer who receives a particular religion follower has the obligation to make sure there is no fearful or insecure prevailing atmosphere."

"We should be able to celebrate Holi and offer Namaz without any issue. Suggesting Holi occurs once a year and Friday prayers happen 52 times a year is taking it too far. This is a political comment. I am sure people who have always tried to milk voters for such comments must be a set of these i.e. People of such caliber must be an officer."

"Claiming, I will make it of maintaining security for Hindus only Muslims. Making the statement from this side of the curtain was one serious politically wrongly statement. As a reasonable person that quite statement ought to disrespect It and I personally would like to see him getting several quite orders to the extent of behaving like a regular officer,” Hindvi understood."

Clashes erupted in Sambhal's Kot Garvi area on November 24 last year during protests against a court-mandated survey of a Mughal-era Jama Masjid, resulting in the death of four people and injuries to many more.