The violence that erupted during the mosque survey in Sambhal has now unveiled a long-forgotten chapter of a temple and communal riots dating back to 1978. On Monday, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recounted the dark episodes in the assembly, recounting the history of Hindus in Sambhal and the secrets of a temple that had remained closed for decades. During excavations inside the temple grounds, several ancient idols, including those of Hanuman, Nandi, and Ganesh, were discovered, alongside bricks marked with Swastika and a fractured statue of Kartikeya.
The Hindu community claimed that the temple remained sealed since the 1978 riots. Now, after more than four decades, the temple has reopened for traditional worship, and illegal encroachments around the nearby well are being removed. What truly happened in Sambhal in 1978? An exclusive ground report by Arvind Ojha from Aaj Tak painted a picture directly from the people affected. The narrative from those who fled Sambhal chronicled how Hindus began their exodus immediately following the riots, locking up their ancient sanctuary out of fear.
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Decades later, as the temple doors opened, Hindus who had fled are returning to visit. They shared with Aaj Tak how the 1978 riots poisoned communal harmony with hatred, propelling Hindus to sell their homes and relocate. In what used to be home to over 45 Hindu families, most have since moved away, divesting their properties to settle elsewhere. Similar narratives emerged from the residents of the adjacent Khaggu Sarai in Dipasha's neighborhood.
Source: aajtak
The Date March 29, 1978, Still Chills Sambhal's Hindus
According to refugee Hindus, once 45% of Sambhal municipality, Hindus now constitute just 10%, with drastic changes over the decades. While proclaiming their dwindling presence, official statistics recorded the drop in Hindu populace since the nation's independence from 45% to between 15 and 20% in the municipality. March 29, 1978, a grim day forever, severed Sambhal's harmonious fabric tragically with hatred.
Local Muslims, however, claim fear is not the reason for their departure but personal choice. On the other hand, Hindus often remind of Sambhal's history with communal riots, witnessing 16 such upsets since 1947, claiming 213 lives, predominantly Hindus. Tallying the figures adds incidents from 1947 when one person died, through 1978 with 184 deaths, to the intermittent skirmishes from 1980 onward.
Read More: Sambhal Excavation Unearths Ancient Idols, Administration Writes to ASI
Crocodile Tears Don't Move Sambhal's Hindus: CM Yogi
As the Samajwadi Party and Congress broached discussions over incidents following the contentious survey of Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid, CM Yogi rooted harsh criticisms toward opposition. Citing persisting disturbances since 1947, right down to 1978, when 184 Hindus were tragically roasted alive, a chorus of voices barely uttered a word for the innocent Hindus enduring these ordeals.
No Communal Riots in UP Since 2017: CM Yogi
Dismissing accusations of rising communal tension, CM Yogi referenced National Crime Records Bureau data, firmly stating a steep drop of up to 99% in riots post-2017. Where the previous tenure from 2012 to 2017 recorded 815 riots with 192 deaths, CM Yogi maintained no such incidents occurred beyond 2017, resonating demands for truth over misguided narratives.
Source: aajtak
We Won't Spare Rioters Causing Arson in Sambhal: CM Yogi
Reflecting on the chilling case of a charitable businessman murdered during 1978, CM Yogi accused those instigating unrest and resisting the revival of the Hanuman temple. Criticizing actions around the mosque survey and ensuing hostilities, he vowed relief with stern stands against any disrupters violating court mandates.
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A Clash for Supremacy Among Indian and Foreign Muslims Unfolds in Sambhal
During discussions on the recent by-election victories, highlighting the BJP-led alliance win in seven out of nine seats including Kundarki in Moradabad, CM Yogi remarked that dismissing the Kundarki verdict as electoral loot disrespects both electorate and the elected leader. These observations were tied to a smear remaining latent among Indian and foreign Muslim factions.
