Mecca Masjid remains shut, prayers from indoors

Elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure that the Friday prayers pass off peacefully, stated Hyderabad City Police Commissioner A K Khan.

Talking to reporters on Friday, he said the curfew has been in force in 25 police station limits to ensure peace prevails in the trouble-torn old city.

Khan said the police have decided not to relax curfew on Friday in any part of the city and fanned out teams to nab the accused in the communal clashes. “The Friday noon prayers are crucial as intelligence reports suggested that there could be huge gatherings leading to tension,” he said.

He said armed pickets were posted at mosques and religious centres in the entire city to prevent clashes and damage to property.

He asked the people to approach the Assistant Commissioner of Police office to get curfew passes and call toll free number 1090 for medical assistance or emergency service.

Meanwhile, the Muslim leaders on Friday issued a fatwa to the community members to pray for peace from their houses as curfew has not been relaxed for prayers in the Old City.

The Muslim leaders took this decision as police did not relax curfew for Friday Namaz.

Muslim residents have been advised to offer their Friday prayers at the local mosques instead of converging at the historic Mecca Masjid.