Sambhal Violence: Friday Prayers Held Peacefully At Shahi Jama Mosque Amid Tight Security After Nov 24 Clashes

Ahead of the prayers, district authorities had issued an appeal requesting devotees to offer prayers in nearby mosques instead of gathering at the Jama Masjid where the clashes erupted on Sunday.

Devotees leave after offering prayers at the Shahi Jama Masjid amid tight security, in Sambhal on Friday, November 29.

Source : PTI

Sambhal Violence: The Friday prayers at the Shahi Jama Masjid and other places in Sambhal were offered peacefully amid heightened security measures following the Sunday violence in the district following the court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque.

#WATCH | Sambhal, UP | Devotees offer Friday prayers
at the Shahi Jama Masjid.

Supreme Court today asked the Sambhal trial court not to proceed in the suit against the Shahi Jama Masjid, till the petition filed by the Masjid Committee against the survey order is listed in the… pic.twitter.com/XTTtXNHSi8

— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2024

Ahead of the prayers, district authorities had issued an appeal requesting devotees to offer prayers in nearby mosques instead of gathering at the Jama Masjid where the clashes had erupted. Besides the police deployment, extra CCTV cameras were also installed around the premises of the mosque to keep a check on the situation.

In order to enhance surveillance, drones were also deployed to deter any potential disturbances, news agency PTI reported.

Additional SP Shrish Chandra said: "Namaz prayers have been offered peacefully. There is normalcy and peace everywhere."

#WATCH | Sambhal, UP: Additional SP Shrish Chandra says, "Namaz prayers have been offered peacefully. There is normalcy and peace everywhere..." pic.twitter.com/1qz2X2TIRt

— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2024

Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh stated that security measures have been reinforced at sensitive religious sites in the area and around the court in Chandausi.

"We always wanted peace, but some people succeeded in instigating some people. The public is coordinating with us and the situation is normal. Namaaz prayers were offered peacefully in Sambhal. We are instilling confidence in the public. We are gathering evidence and without proof, we will not take any action... We are focusing on catching those who hatched the conspiracy," he said.

#WATCH | Sambhal, UP | Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh says, "We always wanted peace, but some people succeeded in instigating some people. The public is coordinating with us and the situation is normal. Namaaz prayers were offered peacefully in Sambhal.… pic.twitter.com/5ObuD2vzrO

— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2024

Tensions had been simmering in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh ever since the first court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid was carried out on November 19 following claims that a Harihar temple previously stood at the mosque site.

On November 24, clashes erupted near the mosque as protesters gathered and clashed with security personnel, which escalated to stone pelting and arson. Four people died and several others were injured in the Sambhal violence.

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Sambhal trial court to not proceed in the case against the Shahi Jama Masjid and halt its survey till the petition filed by the Masjid Committee against the survey order is listed in the Allahabad High Court. It has also directed the Uttar Pradesh government to maintain peace and harmony in the violence-hit town.

On November 19, a court of civil judge in Sambhal had passed an ex-parte order for a survey of the mosque after taking note of a plea filed by the Hindu side claiming the mosque was built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1526 after demolishing a temple.