Even as the Uttar Pradesh administration has imposed restrictions on the arrival of outsiders in Sambhal until December 10, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, along with other Congress MPs, is slated to visit the district on Wednesday. In view of this, the administration has requested him to reconsider his visit.
District Magistrate Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, speaking to news agency ANI, explained the measure: “The restrictions aim to prevent the situation—currently stabilising—from escalating again. While the situation is under control, tensions remain, and the presence of outsiders could provoke further disturbances.” Singh also urged responsible citizens to refrain from visiting the area temporarily. "We trust that everyone will understand our concerns and cooperate during this period of restoration," he added.
Singh assured that the administration is working to restore normalcy. “Markets are functioning normally, and efforts are underway to build public confidence. With the cooperation of the people, we have always succeeded in restoring peace,” he said.
The Uttar Pradesh government has extended curbs under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) until December 31. When asked about Rahul Gandhi’s visit, Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar told news agency PTI that no outsiders were allowed to enter the district under the current restrictions. “If they come, they will be served a notice,” Kumar said.
The authorities have been in regular communication with Rahul Gandhi, requesting him to reconsider his visit, the District Magistrate stated. However, the Congress party has insisted that the delegation, including Rahul Gandhi and five other Congress MPs from Uttar Pradesh, will proceed with their visit as planned. Additionally, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the newly-elected Wayanad MP, is likely to join the delegation, news agency PTI reported Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai as informing.
To prevent the visit, DM Sambhal has written a letter to the officers of neighbouring districts Bulandshahr, Amroha, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar and requested them to stop Rahul Gandhi at the border of their districts, ANI reported. He stated that due to Section 163 of Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita in the district, no person from outside will be allowed to enter.
Sambhal Violence
Sambhal has been the epicentre of unrest since November 19, when a Mughal-era mosque was surveyed under court orders following claims that a Harihar temple once stood at the site. Violent clashes erupted on November 24 when protesters gathered near the Shahi Jama Masjid and clashed with security personnel. Four people were killed, and several others injured during the violence. Investigations are ongoing, with 30 arrests made so far.
Singh further noted, “Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and police are examining all angles. Further actions will be based on concrete evidence.”
Amid curbs, the UP District administration carried out an anti-encroachment drive wherein illegal shops built in front of BMG Inter-college at Sambhal Gate in Chandausi, were bulldozed by the Municipal team, ANI report.
In the wake of the violence, UP Congress general secretary Sachin Chaudhary, along with other party leaders, met the families of the deceased, Bilal and Noman. "We helped them speak with Priyanka Gandhi, who enquired about their wellbeing," Chaudhary told PTI.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MLA Iqbal Mahmood, who also visited the families of the deceased, expressed his concerns over the situation. "The atrocities in Sambhal will be raised in Parliament and the state assembly. After December 10, a Samajwadi Party delegation will come here," Mahmood stated. He demanded that the incident be investigated by a sitting judge of the High Court, emphasising the lack of faith in the government's judicial commission inquiry. "It will work under the pressure of the government," he added.
On Monday, Congress workers clashed with police in Lucknow as they attempted to leave for Sambhal, where the administration had imposed restrictions following the violence. Despite efforts by state Congress chief Rai to drive a car to Sambhal, police stopped him at the gate of the party office. Rai later sat on a dharna (protest) outside the office, accompanied by Congress workers.