Violence broke out in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday following a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a historic Mughal-era mosque. The survey, which was part of a contentious legal case alleging the mosque's construction over a Hindu temple, led to clashes between local protesters and the police, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The district has been rocked by unrest, prompting the suspension of internet services and the closure of schools.
Details of the Violence
The chaos unfolded early in the morning as the survey was set to resume, having been delayed from the previous Tuesday due to protests. Local residents, largely opposing the survey, clashed with police, throwing stones and setting vehicles on fire. Police responded with tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd. About 20 police officers were injured, with one constable reported to be in critical condition after a head injury.
Fatalities and Arrests
Two of the deceased were reportedly shot with countrymade pistols, while the cause of death for the third is still under investigation. In total, 21 individuals, including three women, were detained in connection with the violence. Authorities have announced plans to charge those responsible under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).
As a precautionary measure, internet services in Sambhal have been suspended for 24 hours, and schools up to Class 12 have been declared closed. The local administration has also restricted entry into the area, barring outsiders, including public representatives and social organizations, until November 30.
Legal and Political Implications
The Shahi Jama Masjid has been at the center of legal and political disputes since a petition was filed claiming that the mosque was built over a Hindu temple, believed to be the Harihar temple, which was allegedly demolished by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1529. While some groups argue that the survey is necessary to uncover historical truths, critics view it as a provocation that undermines the sanctity of religious sites.
Despite the violence, the survey was completed as planned. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who filed the petition, stated that the survey was conducted thoroughly, with videography and photography in compliance with the court's orders. The survey report is expected to be submitted by November 29.
Political Reactions
The incident has drawn sharp political reactions. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticized the state government's handling of the situation, calling its "biased and hasty attitude" extremely unfortunate and holding the BJP government responsible for the deaths. He urged for peace and dialogue. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav called for immediate Supreme Court intervention, claiming that the survey was part of a conspiracy to incite tension.
In contrast, the BJP defended the judicial process, stating that the court's orders must be respected. Party spokesperson Nalin Kohli emphasized that those unhappy with the ruling should seek legal recourse rather than resorting to violence.
Survey Controversy and Religious Tensions
The ongoing dispute over the mosque has sparked deep divisions in Sambhal, a region where communal tensions have flared in the past. Critics of the survey argue that it risks escalating religious conflicts, while supporters maintain it is an essential step in uncovering historical facts. The issue continues to divide opinion, with no immediate resolution in sight. Supreme Court Dismisses Petitions to Alter Constitution's Preamble
Court Upholds 'Secular' and 'Socialist' Terms in Indian Constitution
On the contrary, In a significant ruling on Monday, the Supreme Court rejected multiple petitions seeking the removal of the terms 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Preamble of India's Constitution. These terms were added during the 42nd Amendment in 1976, amid the national emergency. A bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar ruled that the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution, including the Preamble, remains intact.
Petitions Challenged Constitutional Amendments
The petitions, filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, and others, argued that these terms should be removed from the Preamble. The Court, however, upheld the amendment, emphasizing that the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution extends to the Preamble as well.
The Court also reaffirmed that the principles of secularism and socialism are core features of the Constitution. It noted that secularism, particularly in the Indian context, should not be viewed through a Western lens.
CPI Leader Opposes the Petitions
CPI leader and Rajya Sabha member Binoy Viswam filed a plea opposing the petitions, arguing that the terms are essential to India's constitutional framework. The Supreme Court had earlier observed that secularism is a fundamental principle of the Constitution, which must be preserved.
With the Court's dismissal of these petitions, the status quo remains, preserving the terms 'secular' and 'socialist' as integral components of India's national identity.
With inputs from agencies
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