Sambhal, India: Violence erupts as Muslims clash with police and Hindus during a court-ordered survey, leaving 5 dead

Image: Jihad Watch

The city of Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh became a focal point of religious tensions following unrest on Sunday, November 24, when the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) initiated a court-mandated survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid. The mosque's controversial history has long been a source of discord, with historical accounts suggesting it was built on the ruins of the Hari Mandal, a grand Vishnu temple demolished during the Mughal era.

Tensions escalated quickly as news of the survey spread. Local Muslims, fueled by rumors of excavations beneath the mosque, mobilized in protest. The demonstrations turned violent, with armed mobs attacking Hindu devotees near the mosque and clashing with police. What began as a routine investigation resulted in the tragic loss of five lives.

Reports indicate that Hindu homes and shops in the area were looted, and several Hindus sustained severe injuries. Protestors hurled stones at law enforcement, set vehicles on fire, and assaulted security personnel tasked with maintaining order. Despite the imposition of Section 144, restricting public gatherings, the violence persisted for hours until additional forces were deployed to restore calm.

The unrest not only disrupted the investigation but also underscored ongoing threats faced by the Hindu community in the region. For many Hindus, the riots evoked painful memories of repeated victimization, deepening their sense of insecurity.

The November 2024 Sambhal violence starkly illustrates the precarious peace in regions with contentious histories.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)