On 24 November 2024, violence erupted during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh The survey was initiated following claims that the mosque was constructed on the ruins of a Hindu temple allegedly demolished during the Mughal period. Protests against the survey escalated into violent clashes between local residents and police, who responded with tear gas and other crowd-control measures.[2][3]
| 2024 Sambhal violence | |
|---|---|
  2024 Sambhal Violence (Uttar Pradesh)  2024 Sambhal Violence (India) | |
| Location | Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Coordinates | 28°35′00″N 78°34′00″E / 28.5833°N 78.5667°E |
| Date | November 24, 2024 |
| Deaths | 3[1] |
| Injured | Dozens |
| Motive | Dispute over mosque due to a court-ordered survey. |
The incident resulted in the deaths of three individuals.[4][5]
Background
editThe Shahi Jama Masjid, located in Sambhal, has been at the center of dispute following claims that it was constructed on the ruins of a shri hari temple allegedly demolished by the Mughal ruler Babur in the early 16th century.[6] In response to a petition filed by a group of Hindu plaintiffs, including priest Rishi Raj Giri, the Sambhal civil court ordered a survey of the mosque premises. The survey was to be conducted under the supervision of an advocate commissioner, district magistrate, and police. The survey aimed to investigate claims that the mosque was built over a demolished Hindu temple. Mosque committee members present during the inspection stated that no evidence or objects supporting the claims were found, and no objectionable symbols were discovered[7]
Reactions
edit- Samajwadi Party Statement: The Samajwadi Party (SP) criticized the Uttar Pradesh government and the BJP over the survey. SP spokesperson Ameeque Jamei accused the BJP of provoking unrest for political gains. He said, "The Sambhal police and administration, along with the BJP, have been provoking people in the Shahi Masjid issue in the name of an ASI survey. This comes a day after the BJP claimed that it got Muslim votes in Kundarki. Is this the reward that the BJP is giving for Kundarki? What does the Places of Worship Act, 1991, say... barring the Babri Masjid and Ram Mandir issue, no other structure will be touched or changed... Exactly after the elections, the BJP has started its game once again. This game of BJP is not good for the integrity of this nation; BJP is trying to divide society." [8]
Aftermath
editThe Uttar Pradesh administration imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in Sambhal to prevent further gatherings and potential violence. Investigations were launched to determine the causes and handling of the unrest. [9]Additionally, the district administration ordered a 24-hour internet suspension in the Sambhal Tehsil following violence over a mosque survey.[10]
See Also
editReferences
edit- ^ "UP: 3 Muslim youth killed in police firing over survey of Jama Masjid Sambhal". Muslim Mirror. 24 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "3 killed as mob opposing mosque survey clashes with police in UP's Sambhal". India Today. 24 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Sambhal violence: 3 killed in clashes between mob and security personnel over mosque survey". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "UP: 3 Muslim youth killed in police firing over survey of Jama Masjid Sambhal". Muslim Mirror. 24 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "'Well-planned conspiracy by UP CM Adityanath, BJP-RSS': Congress on Sambhal violence". The Indian Express. 24 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "UP Sambhal violence: what is the row around the Shahi Jama Masjid". The Indian Express. 24 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ Desk, News (20 November 2024). "Petition filed claiming Sambhal's Jama masjid built on temple, survey ordered". The Siasat Daily. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "BJP behind Sambhal violence, wanted to distract from poll rigging: Akhilesh Yadav". India Today. 24 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ Bharathi, Vartha. "Sambhal violence orchestrated by BJP, govt to divert attention from poll rigging: Akhilesh Yadav". english.varthabharati.in. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Sambhal Mosque Violence: Internet Banned, Schools Closed After 3 Casualties — Key Updates". zeenews.india.com. Retrieved 24 November 2024.