A major case of violence came to light around Jama Masjid in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. The violence broke out when the district administration had planned to survey the mosque on court orders. According to officials, when the survey team reached the mosque, the protesting people pelted stones, leading to increased violence. Three youths died in this violence, while more than 20 administrative officers were injured.
The District Magistrate of Sambhal district issued an important notification after this incident, in which it was said that now no outsider, social organization or public representative will be allowed to enter the district without the permission of the administration. After this decision, there is a tense situation in Sambhal and security arrangements have been strengthened in the area.
What was the reason for the violence?
The violence started when a petition was filed in a local court that Harihar Temple used to exist on the site of Jama Masjid. Following the petition, the court had ordered a survey, which the district officials had planned to conduct on Sunday. Officials said the survey was planned to be conducted in the morning to avoid the usual Namaz time. This step was taken to avoid interference during the prayers, but as soon as the survey team reached the mosque, the protesting locals started pelting stones at them.
The situation turned violent after stone pelting, and three people lost their lives. The deceased have been identified as Naeem and Bilal, who were local residents. After these incidents, there is an atmosphere of fear in the area.
Political reaction: Clash between BJP and opposition
Politics has also heated up over the violence in Sambhal. Opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh have termed it as a conspiracy by BJP. He alleges that BJP had ordered this controversial mosque survey to promote its politics of hatred. The opposition says that this step not only increased communal tension but was also a step to further incite the public.
At the same time, BJP hit back by strongly opposing this allegation. The party claimed that since the Lok Sabha elections, efforts are being made to disturb peace and harmony by the India Alliance of opposition parties. BJP spokespersons say that this violence has been instigated by the opposition, and their politics is behind it.
Security increased in Sambhal, internet service also closed
After this violent incident in Sambhal, the administration has immediately taken strict steps. Police have shut down internet services in the district for 24 hours to stop the spread of rumours. Along with this, all the schools and colleges in the district have also been closed. The administration believes behind this step that it is necessary to maintain peace to prevent violence from increasing further.
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Meanwhile, police have also been deployed in Sambhal and surrounding districts like Bareilly, Amroha, Rampur and Moradabad. The presence of a large number of police forces has been ensured in the district, so that any untoward situation can be dealt with. Also, security has been tightened in the areas around Sambhal, and the administration is on full alert.
Deep impact of violence in Sambhal, questions on government’s action
After this incident, questions are being raised on the functioning of the government regarding the tension created in Sambhal. Many people are asking that when the survey of the mosque was so sensitive, why was it done in such a hurry? Had the administration made adequate preparations to maintain harmony in the society? Was the timing of the survey right, and could this survey have been conducted in a more transparent manner?
At the same time, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an investigation into the matter and has said that strict action will be taken against the culprits. He also made it clear that the Uttar Pradesh government will not tolerate any kind of violence and the culprits will not be spared.
Environment and possible impact after Lok Sabha elections
The political atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh is becoming heated since the Lok Sabha elections. There is also discussion regarding the Sambhal incident that such incidents can worsen the election atmosphere in the state. Opposition parties allege that BJP, while in power, is deliberately fanning such controversies so as to gain political mileage. At the same time, BJP says that peace and harmony have no importance in the politics of opposition parties, and they are continuously trying to spread unrest.
This incident in Sambhal has sparked a new debate in the entire state, and now all eyes are on the next action of the administration. After this violence, the question arises whether the state government will be successful in resolving this issue or will it become a bigger controversy?
