Violence broke out this morning in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, in a court-ordered survey of the historic Mughal-era Jama Masjid mosque that has been a point of contention over the mosque’s construction on the premises of a Hindu temple. Three people have been reported dead so far in clashes between locals and police. The protests began when crowds gathered to block the survey, throwing stones at police and setting over ten cars on fire. The police responded with tear gas and received over 30 injuries among the policemen.
Aunjaneya Kumar Singh Divisional Commissioner confirmed the death of Naeem, Bilal, and Nauman. Some police personnel, including the superintendent’s gunner, were also injured. The survey, which began at 7:30 am, is part of a legal petition claiming the mosque was built over a Hindu temple, which is supported by the historical texts like *Baburnamah* and Ain-e-Akbari, which state that a temple here was destroyed in 1529 by Babur, who later established the Mughal Empire.
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While supporters of the survey argue that it is an initiative toward unearthing actual history, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi and leaders of the Samajwadi Party have disapproved of it, considering it a provocation against the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which had sealed the sanctity of religious sites. SP’s Akhilesh Yadav accuses the BJP-led government of exploiting the current unrest to sidestep allegations of electoral malpractices in the recently held bypolls.
The survey continued with videography and photography support, as court order, and the report is due on November 29. The police arrested 15 persons including three females in this regard. SP MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq said that the survey should be withdrawn in the light of Places of Worship Act and reiterated that the Jamma Masjid should not be touched.
