The annual ‘Neja Mela’, traditionally held in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, in memory of Saiyyad Salar Masud Ghazi, will not take place this year.
The police have informed organisers that the event will not be permitted, stating that it cannot be held in the name of ‘robbers’.
Additional Superintendent of Police, Shreeshchandra, confirmed that while the ‘Neja Mela’ has been organised in Sambhal in previous years, objections have been raised against it.
He explained that the event is held in memory of Abdul Salar Masud Ghazi, but several people have pointed out that he was a historical figure involved in the plundering of the Somnath Temple and the destruction of several other temples, as well as being responsible for numerous killings.
The officer stated that holding an event to commemorate such a figure was not appropriate, particularly given concerns over law and order. He further emphasised that traditions glorifying individuals associated with violence and destruction should not be continued.
The police have instructed organisers not to proceed with the event and warned that legal action would be taken against anyone spreading misinformation regarding the decision.
Traditionally, the mela begins with the installation of a 30-foot pole, adorned with a green flag, in the mela ground on the first Tuesday after Holi. This year, the pole was scheduled to be installed on 18 March, but police intervention has led to its cancellation.
The Additional Superintendent of Police reiterated that organising a mela in memory of Mahmud Ghaznavi’s general, who led the looting of the Somnath Temple and carried out widespread destruction in India, was not justifiable.
He remarked that if a tradition has been harmful, it is necessary to change it rather than continue it blindly.
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