Sambhal Violence: Watertight Security Ahead Of Friday Prayers, Submission Of Survey Report

Security has been increased in Sambhal ahead of Friday prayers after violence erupted over a mosque survey.

Security has been heightened in Sambhal ahead of Friday prayers in the town hit by violence on November 24.

Source : PTI

Security has been heightened in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal ahead of Friday prayers in the town hit by violence last week. The unrest took place over a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid that left four people dead and several others injured. 

On Thursday, police held flag marches in the area surrounding the mosque while top officials said watertight security has been put in place to prevent any untoward incident.

Additionally, a court hearing over the matter on Friday has led to security being further stringent. 

"Sufficient police force has been deployed and we are prepared to tackle any situation," Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Srish Chandra told PTI. 

The local police and administration held a meeting with the Muslim clerics regarding the Friday prayers a day before. 

#WATCH | Security heightened in UP's Sambhal following the stone pelting incident on November 24 over the Shahi Jama Masjid Survey.

Morning visuals from the spot pic.twitter.com/s3UECTst7H

— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2024

'Shahar qazi' Mohammad Alauddin Ajmal appealed to the people of Sambhal to offer namaz at the mosques in their respective localities. "May Allah maintain peace like before. I hope everything becomes fine soon," said Imam Aftab Hussain after the meeting. 

The survey report of the mosque is expected to be presented by the advocate commissioner in court on Friday with both parties having the opportunity to respond. 

Speaking in their preparations for the hearing, the lawyer representing the Hindu side, Gopal Sharma said the Muslim side had to respond on the matter in the court. 

"Only after their arguments will we decide our future strategy," he said.

Meanwhile, representing the Muslim side, Shakeel Ahmed Warsi said they were fully prepared. 

While normalcy has started to return in Sambhal with shops opening for the first time on Thursday, business owners in a market near the mosque claim they had been suffering losses since violence broke out in the area. 

Shop owners in the bullion market are among the worst-hit traders in the market despite the ongoing wedding season. 

"Our sales have dropped considerably," said Ajay Kumar Gupta, a bullion trader. 

Hardly three customers have come to my shop in the last four days," Gupta said, claiming that the losses of shop owners following the violence ran into crores.