The atmosphere has heated up over the video and photography survey of the Royal Jama Masjid located in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh. The Hindu side claims it to be the Shree Harihar temple, challenging the mosque status. A petition was filed regarding this, leading to a court directive for a mosque survey. Last night, in the presence of police and administrative officials, video and photography were conducted inside the mosque. Meanwhile, a crowd outside was seen chanting slogans. The political discourse around this issue has now gained momentum. SP MP Ziaur Rahman Barq has reacted sharply.
During the mosque survey, SP MP Ziaur Rahman Barq arrived at the location. Speaking to the media outside the mosque, Barq expressed his views. He stated that despite the Supreme Court's order under the 'Places of Worship Act' of 1991, attempts are being made to disturb the environment of both the country and the state. Governments must understand that the nation will run according to the constitution and laws, not whims. Remember, it was a mosque, it is a mosque, and it will always be a mosque. We do not wish to disrupt national harmony.
SP MP affirmed that the mosque has historical significance and isn't new. The Supreme Court clearly states that any religious place as of 1947 will remain intact without any alterations or dispute. Thus, the court's directive should remain intact.
On the Hindu side's petition issue, Barq mentioned that people from outside the town are trying to escalate tensions by involving the courts. The court ordered a report in seven days following the survey, raising questions on the immediacy shown. We believe not even a needle's worth of discrepancy will be found in their survey.
Source: aajtak
Meanwhile, the Hindu side's lawyer, Vishnu Shankar Jain, stated that Shree Harihar Temple represents faith for them in Sambhal. It is believed Kalki avatar will come to Sambhal. In 1529, Babur allegedly demolished a temple to build this mosque, which is the basis of the lawsuit.
According to Vishnu Shankar Jain, the civil judge senior division in Sambhal ordered the Advocate Commission to start the survey proceedings. Many aspects remain incomplete, and several features are yet to be studied. The process will continue under court orders, and efforts will be made to advance it through administrative representations.
Lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain further clarified that it is a non-intrusive survey; hence, only photographers and cameramen entered. Aside from them, the District Magistrate and administrative team were present, but there was no permission for the mosque committee to enter. Both parties were present during the survey, ensuring law and order were maintained, but advancing responsibility rests with the Advocate Commissioner.
Source: aajtak
What Did Jama Masjid President Say?
Jama Masjid President Advocate Zafar Ahmad revealed they cooperated fully during the survey, actively participating. They serve as defendants in the case and received notice. However, no objectionable findings arose during the survey, nor was there any doubt about it. The court ordered a seven-day period for the survey, but due to some constraints of the Advocate Commissioner, it started promptly.
Sambhal's DM Comments on the Matter
District Magistrate Dr. Rajendra Pansia, present during the survey, stated that it was carried out by the Advocate Commission. The plaintiffs and defendants were both present. We provided security and will submit the report to the court once the survey is complete. If further survey requirements arise, the court will be approached.
