Several residents of Sambhal have already been under the watch of intelligence agencies. Following recent violence, agencies have intensified surveillance. The Dip Sarai area of Sambhal had long been a bastion for Al-Qaeda India's terrorists. Ayman al-Zawahiri, the leader of Al-Qaeda, announced in 2014 that Sanaul Haq, also known as Maulana Asim Umar, would lead Al-Qaeda India (AQIS). Umar was a native of Sambhal, with connections tied to the Dip Sarai region.
Despite this, Sanaul Haq, alias Maulana Asim Umar, met his end in Afghanistan in 2019 during a joint operation by US agencies and Afghan forces. Several AQIS operatives were arrested by Delhi Police from Dip Sarai in Sambhal, where the unrest recently flared.
Arrest of Asif from Dip Sarai
Asif, trained in Pakistan, arrived in India aiming to establish a sleeper cell network in Sambhal. Following tips from central agencies, he was apprehended, and in 2016, the court sentenced him for his activities.
Another Al-Qaeda terrorist from Sambhal, Sharjeel, remains a fugitive. Sharjeel is on the most-wanted list of Indian agencies, believed to be residing in Pakistan. Furthermore, Al-Qaeda terrorist Zafar, also known as Guddu, hailed from Dip Sarai. The court penalized him in 2016 for involvement in terrorist activities.
What ignited the Sambhal unrest?
Violence erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal during a survey at Jama Masjid. The police have initiated action against troublemakers, raiding throughout the night into Sunday. Additionally, charges have been filed against SP MP Ziaur Rahman Birk and the son of a local legislator, Sohel Iqbal, accused of orchestrating this violence by rallying and inciting a crowd outside the mosque.
The district court had ordered a survey inside Sambhal's Grand Jama Masjid. Suddenly, as the survey progressed, a massive crowd gathered outside the mosque, chanting slogans. This escalated into stone-pelting at police teams and setting vehicles ablaze. To disperse the mob, the police resorted to tear gas and batons. Four lives were tragically lost in the turmoil.
Entry restrictions on outsiders in Sambhal until December 1
In the aftermath, the district administration of Sambhal has imposed a ban on the entry of outsiders until December 1. However, Bhim Army Chief and Nagina MP, Chandrashekhar Azad, has declared his intention to visit Sambhal today to meet the victims' families. He accused the police of resorting to firing on unarmed activists on government orders, resulting in needless deaths. I aim to meet the injured policemen soon to unveil the truth of this violence to the nation.
Through diligence and steady efforts, agencies are working to restore peace and normalcy to a community that has long suffered the shadows of unrest. With expanded surveillance and community engagement, there is hope for a harmonious future.
