The final Friday prayer of Ramzan, Alvida Jumma Namaz, was conducted peacefully in mosques across Uttar Pradesh, with heightened security arrangements in place, government officials confirmed. Security was intensified throughout the state, with additional police forces deployed in sensitive areas of each district.
In Lucknow, Alvida Namaz was held smoothly under tight security, ensuring a peaceful gathering. No untoward incidents were reported. In Sambhal, a district that witnessed unrest on November 24 last year, the farewell prayers also passed without incident.
District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya credited the peaceful conduct to strong public cooperation. “The members of peace committee, who worked closely with the police and administration to maintain order, should be appreciated for this achievement,” the DM said.
Many worshippers in Sambhal wore black armbands and headbands as a silent protest against the Waqf Bill. Despite the demonstration, the atmosphere remained completely peaceful and harmonious during the prayers and dua.
In Rampur and Saharanpur, worshippers also tied black bands in response to a call by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which urged people to protest the Waqf Bill during Jumma-e-Wida Namaz. The bill, introduced in Parliament, has faced opposition from the Muslim community. Prayers were held between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM, with many worshippers offering Namaz in mosques and even in the streets while wearing black bands as a mark of protest.
In Gajraula, both urban and rural areas witnessed a peaceful Juma-Alvida Namaaz, with thousands of worshippers raising their hands in prayer for peace in the country. From early morning, there was a noticeable enthusiasm among the Muslim community. Mosques, including Jama Masjid at Chaupala and the Chauhan Wali Masjid, were packed with worshippers, prompting some to pray on the second floor due to space constraints. Maulana Gulfam led the prayers at Jama Masjid, while Maulana Sadaqat conducted them at Chauhan Wali Masjid. Security forces remained deployed to ensure order.
In Amethi, Friday prayers were conducted peacefully in 367 mosques under strict security. Superintendent of Police (SP) Aparna Rajat Kaushik stated that CCTV monitoring was in place in sensitive areas, and additional police personnel were stationed at key locations, including Jama Masjid in Amethi, Jagdishpur, and Jais. The SP confirmed that the prayers concluded without any disturbances across the district.
In Mirzapur, Additional SP Nitesh Kumar reported that the Alvida Jumma Namaz proceeded without incident. One of the largest mosques in the district, Imambara, witnessed a regular turnout of worshippers, with prayers commencing at 12:30 PM. Security measures remained strict around the mosque to ensure safety. Across Uttar Pradesh, the Alvida Jumma Namaz concluded peacefully, with heavy security ensuring order while worshippers offered prayers and marked their protest against the Waqf Bill in a disciplined manner.
