Around 100 Hindus are keeping the Ramzan fast with more than 1000 Muslim prisoners at Muzaffarnagar Jail.
Highlights
- Around 100 Hindus are holding the dawn-to-dusk fast for Ramzan
- Administration made special arrangements for those holding fast
- More than 60 people had died in the Muzaffarnagar riots three years ago
Over the last few days, 35-year-old Anita, who is serving a life sentence at the Muzaffarnagar jail in Uttar Pradesh, has been waking up very early in the morning.
Around 100 others, all Hindus, are starting the day along with her. The extra time is for the rituals for the dawn-to-dusk Ramzan fast -- which they are holding in solidarity with the 1,000-odd Muslims in the jail.
The gesture is remarkable in the communally-charged area that had witnessed horrific riots two years ago. More than 60 people had died in the riots.
The holy month of Ramzan had started on June 7.
Jail officials said Anita described her Roza as a "personal decision".
"It's a deeply personal thing. I think we should all learn the good aspects of all religion. Fasting purifies your mind and soul. It's something that will help me on my stay here," an official quoted her as saying.
Jail in-charge Rakesh Singh said the administration had made special arrangements so the prisoners can perform prayers and enjoy their pre-dawn meal "sehri" and the evening meals known as "iftars".
Seasonal fruits, dates, milk, curd and other snacks were being made available to them, he said.
"This is the first time in my career that I have seen such a display of unity inside the jail premises. I think it's a wonderful thing in these times," he said.