Fri Dec 06 13:03:19 UTC 2024: ## Peaceful Friday Prayers in Sambhal Amidst Tight Security
**Sambhal, India (December 6, 2024)** – Heavy security measures were in place in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh today, on the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, and coinciding with Friday prayers. Following violence on November 24th that left four dead during a court-ordered survey of the local Shahi Jama Masjid, authorities implemented a three-tiered security system including drone surveillance, extensive barricading, and the deployment of 30 magistrates. A flag march by police earlier this week further underscored the heightened security.
Approximately 600 people attended prayers at the Shahi Jama Masjid, significantly fewer than the 700-800 who attended previously. Clerics had urged residents to pray at their local mosques to maintain peace. District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya reported that the prayers proceeded peacefully.
Mamlukur Rehman Barq, father of Samajwadi Party MP Zia ur Rehman (an accused in the November violence), also attended prayers and expressed regret over the previous unrest, emphasizing the need for Hindu-Muslim unity. He also expressed regret over the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition. The increased security measures and appeals for peace appear to have successfully prevented a recurrence of the November violence.
First Piper 