Sambhal Jama Masjid Dispute: Tensions Rise Over Mosque Survey, Crowd Pelts Stones at Police
Sambhal 24/11/2024 – A police team is monitoring all social media platforms. Action will be taken against those posting inflammatory or controversial content. Meanwhile, after the stone-pelting incident, police deployment has been increased.
Anger erupted among people on Sunday over the dispute surrounding Sambhal’s Jama Masjid. An irate crowd, upset with the mosque’s survey, pelted stones at the police. In response, the police fired tear gas shells to control the situation.
The stone-pelting incident occurred when a survey team arrived at the Shahi Jama Masjid for inspection. The police have urged local residents not to resort to stone-pelting upon the survey team’s arrival. Following the incident, police deployment in the area has been increased.
A survey of Sambhal’s Jama Masjid sparked fresh tensions on Sunday. As the survey work resumed, an agitated crowd expressed their anger, creating a tense atmosphere in the area.
During the clash, the crowd engaged in pushing and shoving with police officers. To disperse the mob, police resorted to firing tear gas shells.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Bishnoi and District Magistrate (DM) Dr. Rajendra Pensiya took charge of the situation, attempting to calm the crowd.
However, their efforts were met with slogans from the angry mob. Despite the chaos, both officials continued their efforts to control the situation.
BJP Spokesperson’s Statement
Reacting to the incident, BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi stated, “Strict action will be taken against those attempting to take the law into their hands. This is not the Mughal era.
If anyone has objections to the court’s order, they should appeal in a higher court. Some people lack faith in the Constitution. Judicial orders will be implemented, and everyone must maintain peace.”
Background of the Case
The issue stems from a petition filed on November 19 by the Hindu side in the Civil Senior Division Court in Chandausi. The petition claimed that Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid was originally the Shri Harihar Temple, which was allegedly converted into a mosque during Babur’s reign in 1529. Based on this claim, the court ordered a survey of the mosque, set to be conducted by an Advocate Commission.
The court directed videography and photography of the site to document the survey, with the report to be submitted by November 29.
According to the petitioner, Vishnu Shankar Jain, the temple holds significant religious importance, as it is believed to be the site where the Kalki avatar (an incarnation of Vishnu) is destined to appear. He further stated that the site, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), should not be encroached upon.
Jain also mentioned that various marks and features at the mosque point to its Hindu origins, which formed the basis of the court’s decision to order the survey. In light of the situation’s sensitivity, heavy police deployment has been arranged to maintain law and order.