Mon Nov 25 12:28:38 UTC 2024: ## Sambhal Masjid Survey Turns Violent: Four Dead in Uttar Pradesh Clashes
**Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh:** A court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, sparked violent clashes on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to several police officers. The violence erupted after a team arrived to conduct the survey, which was ordered following a petition claiming the mosque was originally a Harihar temple.
The petition was filed on November 19th by senior advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, prompting the court to order a seven-day survey without hearing the Muslim side. While a preliminary survey was conducted on the same day with minimal incident, the second phase of the survey on November 24th ignited widespread unrest.
A large crowd, angered by the survey, pelted police with stones and set vehicles ablaze. Police responded with tear gas, but the violence continued, leading to the fatalities. The survey was temporarily halted but resumed later after the situation was brought under control.
In the aftermath, authorities shut down schools and internet services in Sambhal tehsil and detained 21 individuals. A ban on unauthorized entry of politicians and organizations has also been implemented.
The Muslim community, citing the Places of Worship Act, 1991, has protested the survey. Opposition leaders have criticized the government’s handling of the situation, with accusations of bias and insensitivity. While the Muzaffarnagar commissioner denied police firing, several opposition figures, including Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati, and Rahul Gandhi, condemned the violence and held the BJP government responsible for the loss of lives. Chandra Shekhar Azad, MP from Nagina, criticized the failure of the police, administration, and government.
The incident highlights rising tensions and underscores the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the violence and bring those responsible to justice.
First Piper 