Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated across Madhya Pradesh on Monday with prayers and festivities. Devotees gathered at Eidgahs and mosques in cities like Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Ratlam to offer special prayers. However, the celebrations were marked by protests in some areas. Devotees wore black band on arms to mark protest against Waqf Amendment Bill.
Despite the protests, Eid celebrations remained largely peaceful across the state, with people exchanging greetings, served sewaiya (traditional sweet dish served on Eid) and participating in festive gatherings.
Protested by wearing a black band.
In Bhopal, several worshippers wore black armbands during namaz to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill. Outside the Eidgah, some youths held banners in support of Palestine.
At Moti Masjid, prayers were also offered for Yemen, Palestine, and the protection of Waqf properties. Similar protests were seen in Morena, where the Muslim community raised concerns that the bill was unfair to their religious institutions.
Minister Vishwas Sarang criticises protestors
Reacting to the protests, Minister Vishvas Sarang criticised the demonstrators. He questioned why black armbands were not worn against terrorist attacks from Pakistan, atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, or violence against Kashmiri Pandits.
He also claimed that Waqf properties have primarily benefitted wealthy Muslim leaders and illegal occupants, rather than the poor. On the Palestine banners, he warned against attempts to spread communal discord in the country.
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Ban on sale of meat & liquor in certain places in the state
Meanwhile, the state government imposed a temporary meat ban in Maihar during the nine-day Navratri festival. Authorities also ordered the closure of meat shops in Bhopal and Indore on key Hindu festivals like Chaiti Chand (March 30), Ram Navami (April 6), Mahavir Jayanti (April 10), and Buddha Purnima (May 12).
Municipal officials warned of strict action, including licence cancellation, against violators. Moreover, the government recently announced the permanent closure of liquor shops in 17 religious towns, including Maihar, from April 1.
