Meerut, March 3 -- Authorities in Sambhal have intensified preparations to ensure that the festival of Holi passes off peacefully and in a spirit of communal harmony, with extensive preventive arrangements put in place across the town. As part of these measures, around 10 mosques, including the historic Shahi Jama Masjid, have been completely covered with large tarpaulins to prevent any potential disputes during celebrations. Officials said the step was taken primarily for mosques located along Holi procession routes. Two separate processions are scheduled to pass in front of the Jama Masjid, and authorities have decided to act in advance with an incident in the past when splashes of color accidentally fell on a mosque, triggering tension in the area. According to officials, besides covering mosque walls with tarpaulins, special coatings have been applied at some locations to prevent permanent color stains. Heavy police deployment has been made across the city to maintain law and order, with continuous monitoring in sensitive areas. The administration said its objective is to ensure that festivities proceed smoothly without disrupting communal harmony. District magistrate Rajender Pensiya clarified that covering mosques during Holi is a customary practice carried out by the Municipal Council. He said the decision was taken during a Peace Committee meeting with the consent of mosque caretakers (mutawallis) to maintain mutual goodwill. He added that identified mosques were covered due to the likelihood of color being thrown during processions, and if any other individual wishes to cover their mosque for protection, permission will be granted. Residents and community representatives have pledged to celebrate Holi peacefully to avoid any disputes. Similar security measures were implemented in recent days during Rang Ekadashi in Sambhal, when police remained on alert for religious processions and forces were deployed extensively. Officials said extra caution is being exercised this year because violence had previously erupted during a survey of the Jama Masjid. With Holi falling on March 3 and 4, authorities say they are leaving nothing to chance. Meanwhile, Ramadan prayers at the mosque will be conducted at their usual time. Jama Masjid president Zafar Ali stated that daily prayers are held at 1:40 pm and will continue at that time, noting that the main Holi celebrations conclude earlier, eliminating the need to alter the schedule. He further said that, as a precaution, Holi processions will not be allowed to pass along the prayer route, and worshippers have been advised to use alternative paths to reach the mosque. If the administration formally proposes changing prayer timings, the Jama Masjid management committee will consider it, he added....