Violence in northern India kills 4, over 20 police officers injured Amid Jama Masjid survey row

At least four people have died and over 20 police officers were injured during violent clashes in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on November 24. 

The unrest erupted following a court-mandated survey of the historic Jama Masjid, prompted by a petition claiming that the mosque was originally a Hindu temple, Caliber.Az reports per Indian media.

Senior advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain filed the petition, which led to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) carrying out the survey under a civil judge's order.

During the chaos, a police constable sustained critical head injuries and is now under medical observation. In a bid to control the violence, authorities imposed a 24-hour internet ban in the district and instructed the public to avoid stockpiling stones or bottles on rooftops.

Violators were warned of strict penalties, and municipal authorities were tasked with clearing construction materials from public spaces. Schools were also closed for the day, with a holiday declared for students up to Class 12.

Over 20 people have been detained in connection with the stone-pelting and clashes, as tensions flared on November 24 morning near the Shahi Jama Masjid. Protesters reportedly threw stones, chanted slogans, and attempted to set vehicles on fire. Police responded with tear gas and batons, and gunshots were reportedly fired by miscreants, injuring some officers. "We are investigating the source of the gunfire, particularly in the Deepa Sarai area," a senior officer said.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Yogendra Upadhyay condemned the violence, emphasizing that disregarding court orders was a serious offense. "I strongly condemn this act. Disregarding a court order is a serious offence, and law and order will prevail regardless of societal status," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh called the stone-pelting an attack on India's democracy, accusing the responsible group of undermining democratic institutions.

The Congress party, however, attributed the violence to a "well-planned conspiracy" by the state government. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera claimed the incidents were engineered to disrupt communal harmony and intensified following recent by-elections. He urged Sambhal residents to reject hatred and seek justice peacefully.

By Aghakazim Guliyev