Sun Nov 24 05:34:55 UTC 2024: ## Stone-Throwing Protest Mars Mosque Survey in Uttar Pradesh
**Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh:** A court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, was completed Sunday despite violent clashes between protesters and police. Hundreds of people gathered near the mosque, throwing stones at a survey team accompanied by a heavy police presence. Police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The survey, initiated following a court complaint alleging the mosque was built on the site of a demolished temple, sparked intense protests. Despite appeals from the mosque head and senior police officials, the stone-throwing continued. Uttar Pradesh’s Director General of Police, Prashant Kumar, stated that the situation is under control and that those responsible for the violence will face legal action.
Sambhal District Magistrate Rajender Pensiyia confirmed that the survey, which was fully documented, was completed successfully. The Advocate Commission is expected to submit its report to the court on November 29.
The complaint, filed by Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, claims the Mughal emperor Babar demolished the Hari Har Mandir temple in 1529 to construct the mosque. Jain and his father have been involved in several high-profile cases concerning places of worship, including the Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath dispute.
Tensions had been high in the area for days, leading to the imposition of prohibitory orders restricting gatherings of more than five people and the “bounding down” of 35 individuals to ensure peace. A similar, less contentious survey had been conducted on November 19. The incident highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding religious sites in India.
First Piper 