Permission for Neja Mela in memory of dacoit Masood Gazi denied

Those celebrating this Mela will be declared traitors, the police warn

Neja Mela committee members meet senior superintendent of police for permission

Sambhal (UP) – The fair Neja Mela, which was supposed to be organised in Sambhal, in memory of invader Mohammad Gazni’s dacoit commander Sayed Salar Masood Gazi, has been denied permission. Senior Superintendent of Police has advised the Neja Mela committee, that the fair should not take place in memory of the dacoits who looted Somnath Temple and committed dacoity and killings in India. He added, so far, you have been committing crimes in the name of Mela. Not anymore. It will not be tolerated.

1. Sayed Salar Masood Gazi was the commander and nephew of invader Mohammad Gazni. In the year 1000- 1027 Gazni invaded India 17 times. During this period, he attacked Hindus’ place of worship, Somnath temple and several other major temples.

2. The senior superintendent of police told the Neja Mela committee that anyone who organises Mela in the name of this dacoit will be declared as a traitor. Neja Mela is a bad practice. It is completely wrong to organise a mela in memory of a dacoit. Anyone flouting the order will face consequences.

3. Prior to this, the Neja Mela committee officials had approached the District Administrator Dr. Bandana Mishra, to take the permission for this Mela. It was made clear by the District Administrator that the permission would not be given for Neja Mela.

Editorial Perspective

Please note, such festivals have never faced opposition from Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party; on the contrary they helped organising the Mela.