SRINAGAR: In the wake of deadly clashes in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a Member of Parliament from Kashmir visited the area to meet with the families of the victims and assess the situation. At least five Muslim youths, including a minor, were killed, with locals alleging that the deaths were caused by police firing.
During the visit, the MP spoke with residents and observed a tense and fearful atmosphere. “Most shops and homes in the area are locked, and people are living in fear,” the MP noted. While on the way to the disputed Jama Masjid, the MP interacted with locals who emphasised the community’s history of peaceful coexistence.
The MP rejected attempts to frame the incident as a communal conflict, stating, “This is not a Hindu-Muslim issue, as some might portray it, but rather a clash between a particular ideology and Muslims.” He described the violence as a failure of the state and urged the administration to take swift action to prevent further unrest and deliver justice to the victims.
The incident occurred on November 24, when protests erupted over the mosque survey. Local residents, including the mosque committee chairman, accused the police of using country-made pistols to fire at the crowd. The police have denied firing at the protesters, but opposition parties have alleged a “conspiracy” behind the violence, raising questions about the actions of law enforcement.
The MP called on the administration to investigate the incident transparently and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. “Attempts to instigate communal tensions must be foiled, and justice must be delivered to all those wronged in Sambhal,” he stated.
The violence has sparked widespread concern over the handling of the situation and the broader implications for communal harmony in the region. As calls for accountability grow, the focus remains on ensuring peace and justice in Sambhal.
