Sambhal, a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is on edge — prohibitory orders have been imposed, schools are shut, and the internet is suspended — after violence broke out over a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in the area. The clashes, which resulted in the deaths of three people and scores of others getting injured, have also resulted in a political blame game with the opposition leaders blaming the ruling BJP, alleging the survey team was sent to the mosque by the party to nurture its “politics of hatred”.
Violence Clashes In Sambhal Over Mosque Survey
Why In News
- Sambhal, a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is on edge — prohibitory orders have been imposed, schools are shut, and the internet is suspended — after violence broke out over a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in the area.
- The clashes, which resulted in the deaths of three people and scores of others getting injured, have also resulted in a political blame game with the opposition leaders blaming the ruling BJP, alleging the survey team was sent to the mosque by the party to nurture its “politics of hatred”.
What Exactly Happened
- The violence in Sambhal broke out when a team of surveyors reached Chandausi town to carry out a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid.
- The survey was ordered by a local court on Tuesday (November 19) after a senior advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain filed a petition stating that a temple had been demolished to erect the mosque in 1526. The plea stated that a “centuries old Shri Hari Har Temple dedicated to Lord Kalki in the heart of the city of Sambhal which is being used forcibly and unlawfully” by the Jama Masjid Committee.
- The petitioner further argued that the monument is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and under section 18 of the Act, the public has the “right of access to protected monument”.
- Incidentally, Vishnu Shankar Jain and his father Hari Shankar Jain have represented the Hindu side in many cases related to places of worship, including the Gyanvapi Mosque-Kashi Vishwanath temple dispute.
- Acting on this petition, Civil Judge (Senior Division), Sambhal at Chandausi Aditya Singh ordered an advocate commissioner to carry out an initial survey on the same day. The court also directed that a report of the survey be filed before it by November 29.
Violence Unfolds In Sambhal
- The mosque is at the centre of a contentious legal battle over claims that it was built on the site of a Hindu temple. The schools in Sambhal and nearby areas have been shut till November 25.
- The violence, police said, started when a crowd gathered near the mosque as the survey team, led by an “Advocate Commissioner,” began its work.
- The crowd swelled to nearly a thousand people, and they tried to prevent the police from entering the mosque. Some people in the crowd threw stones at the police personnel stationed at the site. The mob also set ablaze more than ten vehicles.
- As officials couldn’t finish their survey on Tuesday, they decided to return on Sunday morning in order to avoid interference with prayers that are usually held in the afternoon.
- However, this is when all the trouble started; as officials reached the Shahi Jama Masjid, they encountered a large group of people who were shouting slogans.
- According to authorities, the group of protesters quickly turned angry and began torching vehicles in the area and pelting stones at the police who had gathered at the spot.
- In an effort to quell the violence, the police then used tear gas and batons to disperse the mob. others were also injured in the violence, including around 20 security personnel and four personnel of the administration.
Steps Taken
- The Sambhal’s district magistrate issued an order restricting entry into the district for outsiders, social organisations, and public representatives without prior permission from authorities.
- Uttar Pradesh Minister Yogendra Upadhyay condemned the attacks on the ASI team, stressing that adhering to court orders is fundamental in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s governance. “I strongly condemn this act. Disregarding a court order is a serious offence, and law and order will prevail regardless of societal status,” he remarked.
