Why is Sambhal District of Uttar Pradesh on the Border? Row Over Shahi Jama Masjid Mosque Research Announced

Last Update:25 November 2024 10:17 IST

The second survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid Mosque at Sambhal was carried out on the orders of a local court on November 19 in connection with a petition claiming that the Harihar temple was demolished in 1526 to build a mosque.

Police and security personnel stand guard amid violence during a second search of Jama Masjid, an alleged ancient Hindu temple, in Sambhal on November 24, 2024. (PTI Photo)

The Sambhal Mosque investigation created a law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh in which four people died and many others, including police officers, were injured.

Schools and colleges were closed and the internet restricted as authorities cracked down on protesters opposing the poll.

What was the result of the survey?

The second survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid Mosque at Sambhal was carried out on the orders of a local court on November 19 in connection with a petition claiming that the Harihar temple was demolished in 1526 to build a mosque. The decision was accepted. Aditya Singh by the court of Sambhal Civil Judge (Senior Division) in Chandausi.

The petition was submitted on the afternoon of 19 November, and within a few hours the judge appointed a ‘lawyer commissioner’ to conduct an initial inspection of the mosque, which took place the same day.

“Some ill-intentioned people among the crowd gathered near the area threw stones at the police team. “Police used light force and tear gas to bring the situation under control,” superintendent of police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi told PTI. he said.

Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who is the petitioner in the case, urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Civil Court Judge (Senior Division) to take control of the “temple”.

What Do the Petitioners Claim?

Jama Masjid is a “protected monument” notified on 22 December 1920 under Section 3, subsection (3) of the Preservation of Ancient Monuments Act, 1904. Declared as “Monuments and figures of national importance, Agra circle Moradabad division” on the ASI’s website, it is in the list of centrally protected monuments.

The petitioners, eight of them, allege that the Jama Masjid Committee is “forcibly and unlawfully” using the “centuries-old Shri Hari Har Temple” dedicated to Lord Kalki at Sambhal.

According to the petition, “Sambhal is a historical city and has unique significance with deep roots in the Hindu Shastras, according to which it is a sacred place where the incarnation of Lord Vishnu known as Kalki will appear in the future, a Divine figure is yet to appear”.

The petition also stated that Hindu scriptures “confirm that in ancient times a unique ‘Vigrah’ of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva emerged and hence it was called the ‘Shri Hari Har’ temple.” “The Shri Hari Har temple of Sambhal was built by Lord Vishwakarma Himself at the beginning of the universe,” he says.

The petitioners argued that Babar, who invaded India in 1526 AD, destroyed a number of Hindu temples to show how powerful Islam was and “turn the Hindus into subjects of the Islamic ruler”.

The petitioners also criticized the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for failing to check the property in question and “taking no action”. “ASI officers are silent spectators and have succumbed to the pressure exerted by members of the Muslim community.” According to the Indian Express, the petition said:

The petitioners requested the court to allow them access to the Shri Hari Har Temple, “claimed to be the Jama Masjid”. They also requested “a permanent injunction restraining the defendants, their officers, workers and anyone acting under them from creating any obstruction.” “.

How did Muslims react?

Sambhal Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rehman Barq said foreigners were trying to “disrupt” social harmony in the region by petitioning the court. He also said that the Jama Masjid in Sambhal district is a “historical site” where Muslims pray. for several centuries. He said that if the court’s decision was “insufficient”, Muslims would “appeal” to the court.

What’s Happening in Sambhal?

Protesters set vehicles on fire and threw rocks at police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd. Images were shared on social media showing protesters throwing stones at the police from the roofs of buildings and in front of the Shahi Jama Masjid.

In another alleged clip, some police personnel in riot gear were seen firing towards a lane, with flames leaping in the background and smoke rising into the air, as mentioned in a PTI report.

Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said, “Fires were opened by miscreants… PRO of police superintendent was shot in the leg, police circle officer was hit with pellets and 15 to 20 security personnel were injured in the violence.” he said. .

He said a police officer also suffered serious head injuries, while the deputy collector broke his leg.

Two women were among the 21 people detained over the violence in Sambhal, and authorities said those accused of the violence would be punished under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).

Authorities said that a judicial investigation will be conducted into the incident.

Urging the crowd not to incite violence, Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Kumar denied allegations of police opening fire. He said the police used pellet rifles; “No weapon that could have caused anyone’s life was used.”

“Weapons were also seized from the homes of the detained people. “The firing took place from a house in Nakhasa police station area where two women were detained,” he added.

According to District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya, the death toll is three. “The cause of death of the two is clear; bullet wounds from village-made pistols. “The cause of death of the third person is not clear, but it will be known after the autopsy.”

The SP added that an FIR has been registered at Sambhal Police Station and 20-22 injured police officers have given statements.

The divisional commissioner said that as the investigation team was leaving the area after completing the investigation, the crowd started throwing stones at them. “There were groups on three sides. One from the front, one from the right, and one from the left. They were constantly throwing stones. Police used force to get the research team out and safely away. Tear gas bombs were also thrown. Divisional commissioner Aunjaneya Singh said rubber bullets were used.

(With inputs from PTI)