Shahi Jama Masjid Survey: In Sambhal, located in western Uttar Pradesh, a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid has led to unrest, resulting in a standoff between local residents and law enforcement. \
On Tuesday, a case was filed in the Sambhal court asserting that the Shahi Jama Masjid is, in fact, a Harihar temple. In response, the court directed the local administration to carry out a survey to evaluate the mosque’s premises. The survey was initially conducted under the supervision of an Advocate Commissioner and administrative officials, in accordance with the court’s directive.
The survey team first arrived on Tuesday, marking the onset of increased tensions in the area. Despite sufficient security measures, when the team came back again on Sunday morning to resume the survey, local residents’ resistance escalated into a significant protest. By 6:00 a.m., the survey team had reached the mosque premises, and within a few hours, locals began to gather and voice their opposition.
The situation reportedly intensified around 8:30 a.m. as more individuals congregated at the site. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the atmosphere quickly became charged. Police officers were observed attempting to calm the crowd and maintain order as the standoff continued to escalate.
As the situation grew tense, the protest turned violent, with some people allegedly resorting to stone pelting. In response, the police took measures to control the crowd, including firing tear gas shells and using lathicharge (baton charges) to disperse the protesters. The authorities had deployed significant security forces around the mosque, with Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar stating that all necessary arrangements were in place to ensure public safety.
The survey team was initially forced to halt its work due to the escalating violence, and the police worked to regain control of the area. According to officials, the crowd first gathered outside the mosque premises, chanting slogans and confronting the survey team. After a brief attempt to communicate with the protesters, the survey team entered the mosque to resume their work. However, a group of youths reportedly began pelting stones at the team, leading to a renewed call for order from the police.
Following the initial unrest, members of the mosque committee and police officials attempted to pacify the crowd and restore calm. Local authorities urged residents to respect the judicial process and refrain from violence. Despite these efforts, sporadic outbursts of protest continued, with small groups reportedly gathering in nearby lanes and again throwing stones.
The survey resumed after authorities brought the situation back under control. Currently, police remain stationed outside the mosque to prevent further escalation and to ensure the safety of both residents and officials involved in the survey.
The recent tensions originated from a petition filed by senior advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu perspective, which asserts that the mosque is constructed over the site of an ancient Harihar temple. This claim led the court to mandate a survey, inciting resistance from locals who disagree with this reinterpretation of the mosque’s historical significance.
Currently, the situation in Sambhal remains tense but is being managed, with authorities closely observing the area. Local leaders and community members have urged residents to uphold peace and allow the legal process to proceed without further disturbances. The court’s decision regarding the mosque’s status is still pending, and the next steps will be determined by the results of the ongoing survey.