New Delhi, May 23 (IANS) Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday backed Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over restrictions on offering namaz at public places, saying maintaining law and order should remain the top priority during religious occasions.

His remarks came amid discussions surrounding Eid-related guidelines and restrictions on public religious gatherings and namaz on roads in several states.

Addressing the issue, Giriraj Singh said, “This system is being criticised, and some in India have tried to spoil the atmosphere. I thank all those Chief Ministers who have made such arrangements from the perspective of law and order and issued such instructions. I especially thank CM Pushkar Singh Dhami for ensuring that no namaz is offered in public places…”

Taking a firm stand on the matter, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently declared that offering namaz on roads would not be permitted in Uttarakhand.

Speaking in Dehradun on Friday while addressing newly-inducted personnel from the Irrigation and Agriculture departments, Dhami asserted that “no one is above the law” and stressed that ensuring smooth traffic movement and maintaining public order were among the state government’s highest priorities, particularly during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra season.

The Uttarakhand Chief Minister also drew a distinction between religious observance and public inconvenience, stating that religious activities should not disrupt daily life or law and order arrangements.

His comments come amid similar measures and policy discussions in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and other states regarding religious gatherings in public spaces.

Addressing Bakrid-related guidelines further, Giriraj Singh also commented on cow slaughter and public sacrifice practices. He said, “Is cow slaughter done anywhere in the world, like in Iran or Arab countries? And even then, is it done on the streets? This was started in India to provoke Hindus. Even in places like Pakistan, we Hindus have always worshipped cows. So, to provoke and hurt sentiments, this practice of sacrifice was started. It is not written anywhere…”

–IANS

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