Sun Nov 24 07:53:15 UTC 2024: ## Stone-Throwing Mob Disrupts Mosque Survey in Uttar Pradesh
**Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh:** A second survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid mosque in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, was disrupted Sunday morning by a stone-throwing mob that clashed with police. The survey, ordered by a local court following a petition claiming the mosque was built on the ruins of a Harihar temple, was ultimately completed after police dispersed the crowd using tear gas and lathi charges. Some vehicles were also reportedly set ablaze.
According to police, the survey began around 7 am and was met with resistance from a group gathered near the site. Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi stated that minor force and tear gas were necessary to control the situation. Authorities are working to identify and prosecute those involved in the violence.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya vowed to take action against anyone obstructing court-ordered proceedings, emphasizing the government’s obligation to comply with the court’s instructions.
The Samajwadi Party (SP), however, criticized the state government and the BJP, accusing them of provoking the incident and using the survey for political gain. SP spokesperson Ameeque Jamei cited the Places of Worship Act of 1991, highlighting its provision to protect religious structures except for the Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir dispute. He accused the BJP of attempting to divide society.
The petition for the survey was filed by Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who stated that the court ordered the survey to include videography and photography, with a subsequent report to be submitted. The petition lists the central and Uttar Pradesh governments, the mosque committee, and the Sambhal district magistrate as parties. Local lawyer Gopal Sharma, representing the Hindu side, claims historical texts mention the demolition of the Harihar temple by Babur in 1529. The police investigation into the violence continues.
First Piper 