UP: Shahi Jama Masjid row reaches Supreme court amid rising communal tensions; Four dead, dozens injured

UP News: The management committee of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has approached the Supreme Court, challenging a local court's recent directive to conduct a survey of the mosque. The apex court, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, is set to hear the plea on Friday, as per the cause list dated November 29.

The local court had issued the survey order following a petition alleging that the mosque was constructed by the Mughals after demolishing an ancient Hindu temple. The plea filed in the Supreme Court seeks an immediate ex-parte stay on the operation of the civil judge's November 19 order.

Concerns Over Communal Tensions and Alleged Hasty Survey

The mosque management argued that the survey was conducted in undue haste, sparking widespread communal tensions. "The hot haste in which the survey was allowed and conducted all within a day, followed by another survey with barely six hours' notice, has threatened the secular and democratic fabric of the nation," stated the plea.

The second survey, conducted on November 24, resulted in violence when a mob pelted stones at officials and set vehicles ablaze. The unrest claimed four lives and left many, including police personnel, injured. In light of the tensions, authorities have implemented stringent security measures near the Shahi Jama Masjid. A flag march led by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Srish Chandra was conducted on Thursday.

Divisional Commissioner of Moradabad, Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, reassured the public, stating, "Namaz will be offered everywhere as usual. An appeal has been made to reduce the number of attendees at the mosque, and the committee agrees to this. We have no issues with people peacefully coming for prayers." Singh emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, adding, "Meetings with peace committees and Muslim clerics have been held to ensure consensus on a peaceful Friday prayer."

Arrests and FIRs in the Aftermath of Violence

The police have arrested 31 individuals and registered seven FIRs in connection with the violence. Among the accused are Samajwadi Party MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq and Sohail Iqbal, son of local Samajwadi Party MLA Iqbal Mehmood. Authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure accountability.