Uttar Pradesh: 'To maintain peace' no Paiki procession in Muharram this year

Violent clashes had erupted in Kanpur on June 3 after a local organisation called for a shutdown in protest against remarks about Prophet Muhammad.
Muharram Procession

Muharram Procession (Representational photo)

Photo : IANS
Lucknow: In order to avoid the possibility of any untoward incident, the Muslim community in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur has decided not to take out the Paiki procession on Muharram.
The procession has been a part of Kanpur's culture for the last 225 years. It was not held in the past two years due to Covid-19 pandemic. However, it was likely to resume this year.
Paikis with ropes and bells strung between their back and shoulders visit Imambaras and Karbala chanting 'Ya Hussain, Ya Hussain'.
Khalifa Shakeel of Tanzeem Nishan-e-Paik Qasid-e-Husain and Achche Mian of Tanzeem-Al-Paik Qasid-e-Hussein have been organising the procession every year on Muharram in Kanpur.
Kafeel confirmed that the Paiki procession will not be taken out on the occasion of Muharram this year
"Keeping in mind the atmosphere of the city, it has been decided not to take out the Paiki procession this year. We have pleaded with people to offer prayers at their homes this Muharram and help maintain peace in the city," he was quoted by IANS.
Khalifa Shakeel said that they have informed the Kanpur administration that Muharram procession will not be taken out this year. He said that the decision was taken keeping in view the June 3 violence in the city.
"There will be no procession of Paiki this year. The administration has been apprised about the same. This decision has been taken keeping in view the atmosphere of the city following the June 3 violence. We have asked people not to indulge in any such work, which can affect the law and order of the city," said Khalifa Shakeel.
Violent clashes had erupted in Kanpur after a local organisation called for a shutdown in protest against remarks about Prophet Muhammad.
The Uttar Pradesh Police had released a poster with photographs of 40 persons who pelted stones and participated in the violence that erupted in Kanpur.
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