Violence Erupts Over Mosque Survey in UP's Sambhal

Violence Erupts Over Mosque Survey in UP’s Sambhal; Internet Suspended, Schools Closed

Tensions escalated in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district on Sunday during a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque at the center of a legal dispute. The incident led to violent clashes between locals and the police, leaving three people dead and over 20 police personnel injured. The unrest prompted authorities to suspend internet services and close schools across the region.

सर्वे के नाम पर तनाव फैलाने की साज़िश का ‘सर्वोच्च न्यायालय’ तुरंत संज्ञान ले और जो अपने साथ सामाजिक सद्भाव बिगाड़ने के उद्देश्य से नारेबाज़ों को ले गये, उनके ख़िलाफ़ शांति और सौहार्द बिगाड़ने का मुक़दमा दर्ज हो और उनके ख़िलाफ़ ‘बार एसोसिएशन’ भी अनुशासनात्मक और दंडात्मक कार्रवाई… pic.twitter.com/9Fj30K4aLm

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) November 24, 2024

The violence broke out as officials attempted to conduct a survey of the mosque, which is contested for allegedly being built on the site of a Hindu temple. Protesters reportedly set vehicles ablaze and hurled stones at police, who responded with tear gas and batons to control the mob. Among the injured was a critically hurt constable who sustained head injuries.

District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya confirmed the deaths, stating, “The cause of death for two individuals is clear—bullet wounds from country-made pistols. The cause of the third death will be determined after a post-mortem examination.”

Authorities have detained 21 individuals, including two women, in connection with the violence and announced plans to charge the accused under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).

To prevent further escalation, internet services in Sambhal tehsil have been suspended for 24 hours, and schools up to Class 12 were declared closed on November 25. The district administration also restricted outsiders and social organizations from entering the area without official permission.

The Mosque Survey Dispute

The controversy stems from a local court’s order to survey the Shahi Jama Masjid following a petition claiming the site originally housed a Harihar temple. The survey, initiated on Tuesday, was rescheduled for Sunday morning to avoid disruptions during afternoon prayers. Despite the violent clashes, officials successfully completed the survey, documenting the site with videography and photography as per court directives. A detailed report is expected to be submitted by November 29.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, stated that the survey aimed to uncover historical facts. Critics, however, argue that such actions violate the sanctity of religious sites and could provoke communal tensions.

Political Reactions

The violence has drawn sharp political reactions. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav urged the Supreme Court to intervene, alleging a “conspiracy to spread tension in the name of the survey.” He also criticized the state government for failing to maintain peace and harmony.

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai expressed concern over the rising incidents of violence under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s administration. In contrast, the BJP defended the judicial process, with spokesperson Nalin Kohli stating, “If a court has passed an order, it will be implemented. Those opposing it can seek legal recourse.”

Broader Implications

The incident highlights the challenges of balancing judicial mandates with communal sensitivities. As Sambhal remains tense, authorities are working to restore order while addressing the concerns of all stakeholders. The event underscores the need for dialogue and legal frameworks to resolve such disputes peacefully.

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Violence Erupts Over Mosque Survey in UP’s Sambhal

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