A tense standoff escalated into a violent clash in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday, November 23, 2024, as hundreds protested against a survey being conducted at the historic Shahi Jama Masjid. The survey, initiated under a local court’s directive, followed a petition alleging that the mosque was constructed on the site of a temple demolished during the Mughal era.
“The situation is under control, and senior officials are currently holding a high-level meeting,” said a police officer from Sambhal. Efforts to contact the Superintendent of Police (SP) and Lok Sabha MP Zia Ur Rehman were unsuccessful as both were reportedly engaged in managing the crisis.
Violence Erupts Amid Mosque Survey
The unrest began when a survey team arrived at the Shahi Jama Masjid, only to face stiff opposition from a large crowd gathered near the site. Despite a significant police presence, the situation quickly deteriorated as protesters resorted to stone pelting. The police, in response, employed tear gas and other measures to disperse the crowd.
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Additional forces were deployed to ensure order, while local officials urged residents to remain calm. The head of the Jama Masjid appealed to protesters to stand down and allow the survey to proceed peacefully.
Survey Completed Amid Tight Security
Amid the unrest, administrative officials successfully carried out the court-ordered survey of the 16th-century structure. The entire process, including video and photographic documentation, was conducted under heavy security.
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This marked the second such survey at the mosque, following a similar exercise on November 19. The petition that prompted these surveys was filed by a local priest, who alleged that the Shahi Jama Masjid was constructed on the ruins of a temple destroyed during the Mughal period.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further escalation, while residents of Sambhal await the findings of the survey.
