What Is Happening In Sambhal?
Uttar Pradesh: Violence erupted in Sambhal after at least five people were killed and several others injured amid clashes following a court-mandated survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid on Sunday. Internet services have been suspended, and schools remain shut in the district.
Around 20 people have been detained following the clashes.
The Sambhal Violence: A Timeline
On November 19, members of the Kela Devi Temple Committee in the Civil Senior Division Court of Chandausi filed a petition alleging that the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal was originally the Shri Harihar temple.
They alleged that the temple was converted into a mosque by the Mughals during Babur’s rule in 1529. The 16th-century mosque is located roughly 150-200 meters from the ‘Kalki’ temple.
Also Read | Sambhal Death Toll Increases To 4, “Victims Were Shot From Close Range”
After the hearing lasted for three hours, the court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) Aditya Singh directed Advocate Commissioner Ramesh Chand Raghav to conduct an initial survey of the mosque to see if the temple existed there. The court sought the survey report by November 29.
Members of the managing committee of the Jama Masjid, the petitioners, and local officials arrived at the mosque on Tuesday to carry out the survey. According to reports, several groups of the members of the Hindutva faction accompanied the survey team, chanting ‘Jai Shree Ram.’
#Sambhal, UP: What happened in Sambhal?
1) Survey team along with mob raising jai sri ram slogans reaches Shahi Jama Masjid for Survey.
2) People from Muslim community gather to protest against the Survey.
3) Police lathicharged the peacefully protesting crowd.
4) Angry… pic.twitter.com/kUrgRkPaYr
— Saba Khan (@ItsKhan_Saba) November 24, 2024
As news of the survey spread, a group of protestors comprising thousands gathered at the site. The region was converted into a high-security zone. As the crowd allegedly pelted stones, a violent clash erupted between locals and law enforcement, who retaliated with tear gas and firing. Over 20 police personnel injured and three Muslim youths killed.
They have been identified as Naeem (28), Mohd Bilal Ansari (25), and Naved.
Sambhal district magistrate issued a notification prohibiting outsiders, social organizations, or public representatives from entering the district without orders of the authorities. The district administration issued a notice prohibiting citizens from buying or collecting stones or any flammable or explosive materials on their roofs.
Also Read | What Led To Clash In Sambhal During Shahi Juma Masjid Survey?
Opposition parties, including Congress and the Samajwadi Party, accused the CM Yogi Adityanath-led ruling BJP government of inciting communal hatred and called the violence a “well-planned conspiracy.” The parties appealed to the locals to recognize the politics of hatred, refrain from indulging in violence, and take steps to protect their rights in a legal manner.
The BJP, meanwhile, condemned the stone-pelting and warned that those attempting to disrupt law and order will face strict action.
Critics argue the survey flouts the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which preserves the religious character of places as they existed in 1947. They highlighted that former CJI, Justice Chandrachud, had allowed for the survey of the Gyanvapi mosque and other Islamic structures citing that it would not violate the Places of Worship Act, 1991, thus opening the floodgates.
