There was a ruckus during the survey of Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. Three people died in the incident of lathi charge, stone pelting and arson. Many people have been injured, including policemen. There is a tense situation in the city. This uproar refreshed memories of the riot that took place 48 years ago. In the year 1976, communal tension had spread in Sambhal. Curfew was imposed here for more than a month. The then Chief Minister had to come under control to control the situation.
Communal violence broke out in Sambhal located in western Uttar Pradesh on 28 February 1976. The city was in the grip of riots after the murder of the Imam of Shahi Jama Masjid. The Imam was murdered by a youth from another community. After which the situation went out of control. There was arson, vandalism and chaos in the city. To control the situation, the administration had to impose curfew. After the incident that happened on Sunday, the same scene is again flashing in the eyes of the elders here.
The situation worsened after the murder of the Imam of Shahi Jama Masjid.
The elders of the city tell that on the morning of 28 February 1976, the worshipers reached Shahi Jama Masjid to offer Fajr prayers. There was a sensation when the blood soaked body of the Imam of the mosque was found there. The crowd of Namazis caught the accused of murder from the spot. He was from another community. After that people got angry and there was a ruckus. Within some time this news spread throughout Sambhal. After the incident, riots started in the city. People resorted to arson and vandalism. The police administration struggled to handle the situation.
The then Chief Minister had reached Sambhal
When the situation went out of control, the district administration declared curfew in the city. But meanwhile violent incidents continued to happen from time to time. This curfew remained in place for more than a month. The then Chief Minister Ram Naresh Yadav himself reached Sambhal to handle the situation. He appealed to the people to maintain peace and assured strict action against the culprits, only then people calmed down. After which the administration gradually started relaxing the curfew. After about a month, curfew was completely lifted from the city. From that time onwards, police was deployed outside the Shahi Jama Masjid for security reasons.
Sambhaal ignites again after 48 years
After 48 years, the situation again went out of control in Sambhal. On Sunday, there was a ruckus in Sambhal during the survey of Shahi Jama Masjid. The crowd pelted stones at the police. An incident of firing also took place. When the situation went out of control, the police fired tear gas shells. Many video footages of police firing have also surfaced. Three people died in this incident. Of these, two people are said to have died due to gunshot and one due to serious injury. The relatives of the deceased allege that their children died in police firing. At the same time, the police has denied these allegations. The situation remains tense in Sambhal.
