Zafar Ali, president of the Shahi Jama Masjid committee, confirmed that the ASI team from Meerut was assessing the scope of work and preparing an estimate for the project. Ali stated that the painting work could start as early as Thursday if the approval is granted; otherwise, it will commence after Holi.
The exact area to be covered under the whitewashing and renovation project is still being calculated by the ASI team. The mosque committee will oversee the renovation work under the protection and guidelines of the ASI to ensure the structure's historical integrity is maintained.
The Allahabad High Court had earlier questioned the ASI’s objections to the whitewashing, decorative lighting, and other improvements to the mosque’s exterior. Communal tensions erupted in Sambhal on November 24, 2024, during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, resulting in violent clashes that left four people dead and several injured.
The protest on November 24 escalated into clashes between locals and the police, with authorities using tear gas and crowd-control measures to contain the situation. In Ayodhya, police have intensified security measures ahead of Holi, monitoring activities through drones and CCTV to prevent any communal unrest.
Peace committees have been set up in all districts, with the police in constant communication with local leaders to maintain harmony during the celebrations. Religious sites along the Holi procession route in Sambhal, including the Jama Masjid, have been covered with tarpaulin sheets to prevent any misunderstandings or tensions.
Holi was celebrated at the Kartikeya Mahadev Temple in Sambhal for the first time in 46 years, following its reopening in December 2024 after being closed since 1978 due to past communal riots. Devotees gathered at the temple to celebrate Holi with flowers and colours, with the police ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for all participants. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) district president Anand Agrawal expressed his joy over the successful celebrations, highlighting the positive atmosphere and strong security arrangements.
Police have instructed that no new traditions should be introduced during Holi, and preventive measures have been taken against individuals with a history of communal unrest.
