Sambhal mosque survey: In an effort to maintain peace, the Sambhal district administration has prohibited the entry of outsiders into the district without prior permission until December 10. This directive, issued by District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya on Saturday, comes amidst heightened tensions following violent clashes over a survey conducted at the Shahi Jama Masjid complex.
The restriction coincided with plans by a 15-member delegation from the Samajwadi Party (SP), led by Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, to visit Sambhal to investigate the violence. Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Pandey stated that Home Secretary Sanjay Prasad had requested the delegation to defer their visit. The Sambhal District Magistrate also personally informed Pandey of the extended ban.
Pandey criticized the government’s actions, claiming there was an attempt to “hide its wrongs in Sambhal” and prevent exposure of its alleged mistakes. Heavy security was deployed outside Pandey’s residence in Lucknow ahead of the planned visit.
SP state president Shyam Lal Pal had earlier announced the delegation’s visit on the instructions of party chief Akhilesh Yadav, with plans to submit a detailed report to the leadership. The delegation included senior SP leaders, MPs, and MLAs, several of whom have been embroiled in controversies related to the violence.
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Clashes Over Sambhal Mosque Survey
The unrest began on November 19 when a survey of Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid was conducted under a local court’s directive. The petitioner alleged that the mosque was built on the site of a former Harihar temple. On November 24, violence erupted as protesters clashed with security forces, leading to stone pelting, arson, and injuries. Four individuals lost their lives in the incident, though police have denied using firearms against protesters.
To prevent further escalation, the administration has imposed prohibitory orders across the district. Congress state president Ajay Rai announced that a party delegation would visit Sambhal on December 2 to assess the situation.
The violence and subsequent political developments have drawn widespread attention, highlighting the delicate balance between religious sensitivities, legal mandates, and political interests.
