A large number of people performed namaz prayers at the Gianwapi Mosque in the predominantly Muslim Bande district on Friday

Religious rituals were held in a predominantly Muslim area of ​​the city, with large crowds performing Friday namaz rituals at the Jawapi Masjid two days after a district court ordered that Hindu prayers be allowed to be performed in the mosque’s cellars. The worship service was held peacefully under strict security arrangements.

People gathered in large numbers, forcing police to turn back some of them. Some people were moved to other mosques to participate in namaz.

Some witnesses said the crowd gathered at the Gianwapi mosque near Kashgar’s Golden Temple was twice the size that usually gathers for Friday namaz. Shops in the city’s predominantly Muslim area remained closed for the day and security alerts were in place after a district court ordered that Hindu prayers be allowed in the cellar of the Jawapi Mosque.

Tight security arrangements are in place around the mosque complex. Divisional Commissioner Kaushal Raj Sharma, District Magistrate S Rajlingam and Superintendent of Police Mutha Ashok Jain stood outside the mosque area and monitored the situation.

The police chief said the situation across the town was being monitored regularly. Police are patrolling sensitive areas. He said close surveillance was being done on social media platforms and drones were being used to help monitor the Jawapi Masjid and its surrounding areas.

The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, which manages the Gyanvapi mosque, called for a rally in the town on Friday. The band’s influence is evident in the market areas of Dalmandi, Nai Sadak, Nadesar and Ardal Bazar.

A letter from the council called for the market to be closed and for people to worship peacefully. It advised Muslim women to stay at home. Police Commissioner Jain held a meeting with police officials late last night regarding security arrangements.

More police personnel were deployed in nearby areas to maintain peace during the day. More security forces have been deployed near Vishwanath Dham and nearby areas in Kashi.

Rapid Police Force (RPF) has been deployed in sensitive areas.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)