Friday prayers go off peacefully under watchful eyes of cops
GURUGRAM: Friday prayers (namaz) in Gurugram, offered at 45 to 50 locations, went off peacefully amid heavy police presence. However, confusion prevailed among Muslims over the locations where the prayers could be offered. Some people were spotted going from one place to another in search of congregations. Over 2,500 security personnel were deployed across Gurugram. They included 300 recruits requisitioned from Madhuban, personnel of Indian Reserve Battalion from Bhondsi and personnel from local police stations.
The number of people attending the Jumma was also fewer as compared to normal days, but sizeable congregations were seen at Leisure Valley park, near Moulsari Metro station, Rangoli Garden, near Atul Kataria Chowk and at locations in Udyog Vihar, Manesar and Sector 10.
The police said that no untoward incident was reported anywhere. “We are satisfied with the number of (designated) locations (where Friday prayers could be offered) and the arrangements made by the administration. Prayers were offered at 47 locations, including 23 public spaces, 12 mosques, 5 madarsas and around six to seven private plots. The police ensured that there was no untoward incident,” Haji Shehzad Khan, a Muslim leader, said. On Friday both DC Vinay Pratap Singh, and police commissioner Sandeep Khirwar made rounds of the city to take stock of the situation.