Tensions Escalate Over Sambhal Mosque Controversy In Uttar Pradesh

Tensions Escalate Over Sambhal Mosque Controversy in Uttar Pradesh

The district of Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh is currently at the epicenter of a significant legal and communal controversy centered around the 16th-century Jama Masjid. A petition filed by a group of plaintiffs alleges that the mosque was built on the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple, purportedly converted during the Mughal era under Emperor Babur in 1529. This claim, along with rising tensions, has drawn national attention.

Background of the Dispute

The controversy arose after the petitioners argued that the site, an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected area, bore signs of Hindu iconography. References to historical texts such as the Baburnama and Ain-e-Akbari were cited to substantiate claims that a temple, dedicated to Harihar, existed at the location before being demolished. The local court directed a survey, including videography and photography, to ascertain the structure’s origins, with findings due in late NovemberNews24National Herald.

Protests and Administrative Measures

The mosque survey led to protests from local residents, who expressed concerns about potential communal unrest. Authorities implemented prohibitory orders, conducted a flag march, and heightened security measures to maintain peace during Friday prayers. Additionally, 34 individuals, including Mamlukur Rahman Barq, the father of local Samajwadi Party MP Zia ur Rahman Barq, were “bound down” under bonds of up to ₹10 lakh to prevent any breach of public orderNews24National Herald.

Political and Communal Implications

The case has amplified political and communal fault lines. Prominent figures have weighed in, with some citing it as part of a broader agenda to target historic mosques, reminiscent of the Gyanvapi mosque dispute. Lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu plaintiffs, emphasized the religious significance of the alleged temple site, suggesting it to be linked to beliefs about the reincarnation of Kalki, a Hindu deityNews24National Herald.

Next Steps

The findings of the advocate commission will be presented in court later this month, with further hearings scheduled. While the local administration has been proactive in mitigating immediate tensions, the case has broader implications for communal harmony and the handling of heritage disputes in India.

This unfolding situation underscores the delicate balance between historical claims, legal processes, and the preservation of peace in a diverse society like India.