Ahead of Friday prayers, security has been significantly tightened around Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following recent tensions triggered by a survey conducted on November 19. The survey was carried out after a petition filed by senior advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, claiming that the mosque was built on the site of a historic Hindu temple, Shri Harihar Mandir.

Heightened Security Measures

The town has been turned into a fortress with two of the three access roads to the mosque sealed. Police presence, including personnel from the PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary), RAF (Rapid Action Force), and local police, has been significantly increased.

Sambhal SP Krishna Kumar stated, "There is peace in the area, and strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt harmony. Meetings with stakeholders and mohalla committees have been conducted, urging people to offer Friday prayers at their local mosques instead of gathering at the Jama Masjid."

Additionally, the police have been monitoring social media platforms for provocative content. Two individuals have already been booked under Section 151, and any attempt to incite violence will result in strict action, the SP added.

Survey and Controversy

The controversy began with a petition in the Sambhal Civil Court asserting that the site of Shahi Jama Masjid was originally a Hindu temple that was converted during the Mughal era. Historical references, including Babar Nama, Ain-e-Akbari, and an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report, were cited to support this claim.

Following the court's directive, a survey team conducted videography and photography of the disputed site on November 19. This led to protests outside the mosque, with members of the Muslim community claiming the site as their historic place of worship.

Administrative Actions

On Thursday, District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia and SP Krishna Kumar conducted a flag march with security personnel to reassure the public and discourage gatherings. The administration has invoked Section 163, restricting large assemblies. CCTV cameras and drone surveillance have been deployed to monitor the area.

The district authorities have also warned against the misuse of social media, with several users being cautioned about inflammatory posts. SP Krishna Kumar added that the mosque’s management has been urged to prevent large gatherings to maintain peace.

Legal and Political Reactions

The Hindu petitioners, led by advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, argue that the site is central to their religious beliefs, claiming it as the location of Lord Kalki's prophesied incarnation. Conversely, local MP Ziaur Rahman Barka of the Samajwadi Party refuted these claims, asserting that the mosque is an ancient, historic site protected by the 1991 Supreme Court ruling that maintains the status quo of religious places as they existed in 1947.

Next Steps

The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 29, as the dispute continues to draw attention. In the meantime, the administration remains on high alert, ensuring that peace is maintained in the sensitive area.

This case adds to the ongoing debates over religious sites in India, highlighting the importance of careful legal and historical scrutiny to resolve such disputes.

Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman says, "Jama Masjid have been ours for the last hundreds of years... I came here to offer Namaz and I saw that the police force has been deployed... What happened three days ago is unfortunate because all communities have been living in Sambhal in harmony. But some mischievous elements, who filed the petition, are trying to harm the environment... It is my right to challenge the court orders... What was so hurry to perform the survey in such haste?..."