Hyderabad: Police in Hyderabad have begun covering mosques and religious sites along key procession routes with large green sheets ahead of the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, aiming to prevent tension during the high-profile rallies.
The annual Hanuman Jayanti procession, expected to draw lakhs of devotees, will pass through sensitive Old City areas including Mangalhat, Sultan Bazaar, and Jailkhana. Authorities covered at least 15 mosques and dargahs on Monday, using cloth drapes and barricades to shield them from view. Over 4,000 police personnel, including RAP and CRPF units, will be deployed starting Wednesday.
This precautionary step follows recent controversies during Ram Navami events led by BJP leader T. Raja Singh, where provocative slogans and sword displays sparked outrage. Police Commissioner K. Suresh Reddy told reporters, “We want peaceful celebrations for all communities. Covering sites is standard procedure in mixed areas—it’s about visibility, not disrespect.”
Organisers from the Hanuman Jayanti Utsav Committee say the rally will start from Hanuman Vyayamshala and end at Sitarambagh temple, covering 5 km. They promised no weapons or inflammatory songs. “Devotion should unite, not divide,” said committee head Venkatesh Rao.
Local residents have mixed views. “Green sheets protect mosques from chants—it’s practical,” said shopkeeper Imran Khan from Mangalhat. Hindu devotee Priya Devi added, “We just want to pray peacefully without clashes.”
Past Hanuman Jayanti processions saw minor scuffles in 2025 over route deviations. Courts have directed police to balance religious rights with public order. Drones and CCTV will monitor the route this year.
Community leaders held peace meetings last week. “Dialogue prevents sparks,” said Maulana Syed Hassan from Jama Masjid.
Hyderabad’s proactive security reflects the challenge of managing mega religious events in diverse neighbourhoods, prioritising calm over confrontation.
