NEW DELHI: Authorities deployed heavy security in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal on Friday ahead of ‘Alvida Juma’ amid ongoing tension since November 24 last year, when violence erupted in the city’s Kot Garvi locality during a survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid.
A unit of the Rapid Action Force and police personnel conducted a flag march outside the Jama Masjid.
“Magistrates were deployed for every Jumma here (during Ramzan). Since this is the last Jumma of Ramzan, considering the sensitivity, 16 magistrates have been deployed. The Regional Accountant and Revenue Inspector have also been deployed… PAC (Pradeshik Armed Constabulary) has also been deployed,” said Sambhal SDM Vandana Mishra.
Earlier on Wednesday, the administration issued guidelines ensuring that namaz is offered only at Eidgahs and mosques and not on roads, after a peace committee meeting was held at Sadar Kotwali under the leadership of Additional SP Shrish Chandra, SDM Dr. Vandana Mishra, and Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary.
ASP Shrish Chandra said, “A peace committee meeting was held in Kotwali Sambhal with people from all religions and communities. It was clearly communicated and ensured that prayers will be conducted inside mosques and Eidgahs only, and not on the streets outside. Issues related to electricity and water were also addressed and will be resolved in time. Compliance with the rules was also emphasized. The zonal sector arrangement remains in place as before, and an adequate police force will be deployed. It will be ensured that prayers are not conducted on rooftops.”
Earlier, Shahi Jama Masjid committee president Zafar Ali was arrested for gathering a crowd, provoking violence, causing damage to public property, and misrepresenting facts.
Samajwadi Party MP Ramjilal Suman said, “For a long time, there has been an effort to create distress between Hindus and Muslims… We come from ‘Ganga-Jamuni’ traditions… During Maha Kumbh, when the stampede happened, it was Muslim families who took the devotees in and took care of them. We should not do anything to disrespect the religious sentiments of anyone.”
The mosque, a Mughal-era structure, gained national attention following unrest on November 24, 2024, which left four people dead after a local court ordered a survey of the site.
The dispute around the Shahi Jama Masjid arose after a legal petition claimed that the mosque was built over an ancient Hari Har Mandir.
The petition led to a court-ordered survey, which sparked significant tension in the area. In November 2024, clashes erupted between protesters and the police, reportedly resulting in multiple deaths as security forces attempted to control the unrest.
The dispute also reignited debates around the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which legally upholds the religious status of sites as they existed on August 15, 1947.