Tensions have risen in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district as a team arrived to survey a disputed site, where a Harihar temple was claimed to stand on the grounds of the historic Shahi Jama Masjid. Videos of cars being set on fire and stone-pelting have emerged on social media, showing the chaos that ensued. Police have used tear gas to control the situation, and a local court had ordered a second survey to be conducted after a previous one was conducted last week. Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq has spoken out in defense of the mosque, citing a Supreme Court order from 1991.
Tensions Escalate in Sambhal Over Disputed Temple Site
Tensions have flared up in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, over a disputed site where a Harihar temple is claimed to have once stood on the grounds of the historic Shahi Jama Masjid. The dispute has led to violent clashes between two communities, raising concerns about communal harmony in the region.
Background
The conflict dates back to 1946 when the Hindu community claimed that a temple called Harihar was destroyed by Muslim invaders. The area where the temple is said to have stood is now part of the mosque's courtyard.
Over the years, there have been sporadic attempts by the Hindu community to reclaim the disputed site. In 2003, the Supreme Court ruled that the site belonged to the Waqf Board, the body that governs Muslim religious properties.
Current Events
The recent outbreak of violence was sparked by the arrival of a team of officials to survey the disputed site. A group of people from the Hindu community opposed the survey, claiming that it was an attempt to seize the temple.
Stone-pelting and arson ensued, with mob setting fire to cars and shops. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, but the situation remains tense. A local court has ordered a second survey to be conducted.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the history of the disputed site?
The site is claimed to have been the site of a Harihar temple that was destroyed by Muslim invaders. The area is now part of the courtyard of the Shahi Jama Masjid, which is owned by the Waqf Board.
2. What triggered the recent violence?
The violence was triggered by the arrival of a team of officials to survey the disputed site. A group of people from the Hindu community opposed the survey, claiming that it was an attempt to seize the temple.
3. What is the government's response?
The government has condemned the violence and ordered the police to maintain law and order. A local court has ordered a second survey to be conducted.
4. What is the role of political parties?
Political parties have played a role in polarizing the issue. The Samajwadi Party has come out in defense of the mosque, while the BJP has supported the Hindu community's claim to the temple.
5. What is the long-term outlook for the dispute?
The dispute over the Sambhal site is a complex and sensitive issue that has the potential to escalate into communal violence. The government and community leaders will need to work together to find a peaceful resolution that respects the rights of both communities.
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