UP police bans processions during Muharram due to COVID-19 pandemic.

After banning Kanwar Yatra in UP due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Uttar Pradesh government has now decided not to allow religious processions during Muharram. UP Police issued guidelines on Sunday night saying Muharram should be celebrated in the state alongside adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour and by keeping in mind the restrictions that are in place to tackle the pandemic.The UP DGP also urged his officers to communicate with religious leaders for spreading awareness about COVID-19 and the need to celebrate Muharram indoors.

“All the programs to be held on Muharram should be decided in the meeting of the peace committee,” he said.

He also ordered the deployment of an adequate amount of police force in sensitive areas. The DGP instructed, “Adequate number of police PAC force reserves should be kept in every district.”

However, Shia clerics are up in arms over the Muharram guidelines issued by the UP police. Shia clerics will be holding a series of meetings on Monday to decide their future course of action.