Tensions simmer in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following violent clashes over a survey at the Mughal-era Jama Masjid, which claimed four lives. The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accusing the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government of mishandling the sensitive issue.
The unrest began after a local court ordered a survey of the mosque, responding to a petition alleging that a Harihar temple once stood at the site before being demolished by Emperor Babar. The first phase of the survey occurred last Tuesday, with a second round scheduled for Sunday. However, when the survey team commenced work on the second phase, a large crowd gathered near the mosque, raising slogans that quickly escalated into violent clashes between protesters and police.
District Magistrate Rajendra Pesia reported stone-pelting by some individuals, prompting police to use force to control the situation. Seven cases have been registered against approximately 400 individuals in connection with the violence. Authorities have claimed that the situation is now under control.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express condolences to the families of the deceased and criticize the state government. He accused the administration of acting "hastily and insensitively," alleging that the lack of a balanced approach exacerbated tensions and led to loss of lives.
In his post, Gandhi also accused the BJP of fueling divisions between Hindus and Muslims. "This is not in the interest of the state or the country. The Supreme Court must intervene urgently to ensure justice and prevent further deterioration of the situation," he said, emphasizing the need for peace and communal harmony.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condemned the state government's approach, urging the Supreme Court to take swift action. She called for calm, appealing to the people of Sambhal to maintain peace. "The government's actions have inflamed tensions unnecessarily, and it must be held accountable," she said.
The Samajwadi Party (SP), the main opposition in Uttar Pradesh, has alleged that the survey was deliberately orchestrated to provoke unrest. "This was intentionally done to stoke emotions and divert attention from election rigging allegations," an SP spokesperson said, pointing to the BJP's significant victory in recent bypolls as a possible motive.
The Sambhal violence has reignited debates about the handling of religiously sensitive issues in the state. The Congress and other opposition parties have called for judicial oversight to ensure fair and transparent resolutions. As political tensions rise, all eyes are on the Supreme Court's potential intervention in what has become a flashpoint for communal discord in Uttar Pradesh.
The situation remains tense, with political and community leaders urging restraint to prevent further escalation.
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