The controversy in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, over the mosque and temple is intensifying. The Hindu side contends that the Shahi Jama Masjid was originally the Shri Harihar Temple, while the Muslim community counters that it is their historic mosque, irreplaceable and permanent. Amidst attempts in court to disturb the environment, the administration has stationed a large force outside the mosque. All this is happening in the Sadar Kotwali area.
Actually, following a claim in the civil judge's court in Sambhal about the Jama Masjid being the Shri Harihar Temple, the first phase of the mosque's survey has begun. This has put the district police and administration on high alert. Consequently, the security at the mosque has been significantly increased.
RRF personnel have been deployed at the main gate of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal. Furthermore, pathways leading towards the mosque are barricaded with police personnel on duty. Police and PAC forces are stationed at the district's key intersections and sensitive areas. Additional SP has himself visited the Jama Masjid, instructing the officers on site to maintain vigilance.
Monitoring Social Media
SP Krishna Kumar Bishnoi stated that the survey conducted by Advocate Commission was in response to the court’s order. As a result, barricades have been set up around the religious site and access roads, and security has been bolstered. RRF personnel are stationed near the religious site, with police and PAC forces deployed across various city areas. A team is also monitoring social media closely; any provocative or objectionable posts will be met with strict actions. Sambhal police are on full alert.
Source: aajtak
Mosque Survey Begins
On Tuesday, Supreme Court Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain filed a claim in the Chandausi Civil Judge (Senior Division) Court in Sambhal, asserting the Jama Masjid was formerly the Shri Harihar Temple. Following this, the court ordered a survey of the mosque. As the order was passed, a team entered the mosque for survey, conducting videography and photography. During this time, a large crowd from the Muslim community gathered outside, chanting slogans, making the atmosphere tense despite considerable police presence.
Claims from Hindu and Muslim Sides
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, mentioned that the civil judge (senior division) court ordered the formation of an 'Advocate Commission' for the Jama Masjid survey. The commission will perform videography and photography surveys, with reports submitted in court.
According to Vishnu Shankar Jain, the Shri Harihar Temple in Sambhal is a central site of faith. As per religious beliefs, it is the destined site for the Kalki avatar. In 1529, efforts were made by Babar to demolish the temple and convert it into a mosque. A plea has been filed to unveil the truth via surveys. This region also remains under the ASI's protection, disallowing any encroachments.
Meanwhile, Ziaurrahman Birk, a member of the Samajwadi Party from Sambhal, claimed that nothing was found in the survey. He insists the place has been a mosque, is a mosque, and will remain a mosque. Our mosque is historic and exceedingly ancient. In 1991, the Supreme Court ruled that religious sites as of 1947 should remain as they were at their location. Despite this, environment disruption attempts are being made via survey petitions.
