Security has been heightened in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, ahead of Friday prayers at the Jama Masjid following a court-ordered survey based on a petition claiming that the Mughal-era mosque was built on the site of an ancient Harihar temple, significant to Hindu faith.
Key Developments
- Court-Ordered Survey: A local court directed a survey of the mosque after a petition by Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain alleged that Mughal emperor Babar partially demolished the Harihar temple in 1529 to construct the Jama Masjid. Jain emphasized the site’s importance as an ASI-protected area, asserting the presence of Hindu temple symbols.
- Heightened Security Measures:
- Prohibitory orders under Section 144 have been imposed, preventing gatherings of more than five people.
- Police conducted a flag march and warned of strict action against any attempt to incite unrest.
- Social media platforms are under close surveillance to curb the spread of inflammatory content.
- Local Administration’s Appeal: Clerics have been urged to ensure that people offer prayers only in their designated mosques. Authorities are working to maintain peace and prevent communal tensions.
Political and Religious Reactions
- Petitioner’s Claim: Vishnu Shankar Jain, who has represented Hindu causes in several high-profile religious disputes like the Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath case, insists the mosque encroaches on an ASI-protected temple site.
- Opposition’s Objection: Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq criticized the petition, citing the Supreme Court’s 1991 ruling that maintains the status quo of all places of worship as they were in 1947. Barq called the mosque a historical monument and questioned the basis of such claims.
Current Situation
The dispute has drawn sharp reactions, rekindling debates over historical and religious sites in India. As tensions simmer, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure communal harmony in Sambhal.
