Lucknow, November 26 — The recent violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked political outrage and heightened communal tensions across the state. The unrest, which occurred during a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, left at least four people dead and several injured, including police officers. The incident has intensified the political blame game, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Samajwadi Party (SP) trading accusations.
Background of the Violence
The clashes erupted on November 24 during a second survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, ordered by a local court following petitions alleging that the mosque was built over a demolished Hindu temple. The survey drew protests from local residents, leading to violent confrontations with police forces. The situation escalated when the police attempted to disperse the gathering, resulting in casualties and widespread unrest.
Political Fallout
The incident has become a flashpoint in Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape:
- Samajwadi Party’s Allegations
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP government of orchestrating the violence to divert attention from alleged electoral malpractices. “The incident in Sambhal was deliberately carried out to mask their rigging and theft in elections,” Yadav said during his visit to Delhi for the Parliament’s Winter Session.Adding to the controversy, the SP’s student wing in Prayagraj displayed provocative posters accusing the BJP of undermining democracy. The posters, which featured images of the Sambhal violence, described the BJP’s governance as “gun-tantra” (rule of the gun) and alleged that the state was engulfed in communal tensions.
- BJP’s Response
The BJP has dismissed these allegations, accusing the SP of inciting violence for political gain. Authorities have filed FIRs against SP leaders, including Sambhal MP Ziaur Rahman Barq, for allegedly making inflammatory statements that fueled the unrest.
Security Measures and Police Action
In response to the violence, authorities have implemented stringent security measures:
- Heightened Patrolling: Police presence has been intensified in Sambhal and other sensitive areas, particularly in regions with mixed populations.
- Internet Shutdowns: Internet services have been temporarily suspended in Sambhal to curb the spread of rumors and misinformation.
- Public Gatherings Restricted: Section 144 has been imposed to prevent large gatherings and further escalation of tensions.
- Arrests and Investigations: Over 50 arrests have been made, with police stating that they are investigating the involvement of more than 2,000 individuals. Those found spreading misinformation or inciting violence will face strict action under the National Security Act (NSA).
The controversial poster in Prayagraj was promptly removed by authorities, who labeled it as inflammatory and announced an investigation into those responsible for its creation and display.
Public Reaction and Community Impact
The violence has left the community in Sambhal deeply divided. While some leaders have called for calm and dialogue, others are leveraging the incident to further political and communal narratives. Residents have expressed concerns over the heightened police presence and disruptions to daily life, including the closure of schools and marketplaces.
Judicial Oversight and Broader Implications
As political tensions mount, leaders from both parties are calling for judicial inquiries into the violence and the circumstances surrounding the mosque survey. Observers note that the incident has amplified communal divisions, with political parties framing the events to align with their respective narratives.
The Sambhal violence and its aftermath underscore the challenges of maintaining communal harmony and political neutrality in Uttar Pradesh, particularly as the state gears up for crucial elections. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and preventing further unrest.
The violence in Sambhal and the ensuing political controversy have spotlighted the deep fissures in Uttar Pradesh’s social and political fabric. As the BJP and SP intensify their rhetoric, the state faces a critical test in balancing law enforcement, justice, and community reconciliation. Authorities urge citizens to refrain from provocative actions and maintain peace as efforts are underway to address the crisis.
