The situation in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh has once again become sensitive. District Magistrate Dr. Rajendra Pasiya has imposed a prohibitory order across the district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, in view of the upcoming festivals and the Jama Masjid dispute from last year.
Sambhal: In Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh, District Magistrate Dr. Rajendra Pasiya has imposed a prohibitory order across the entire district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023. This decision has been taken keeping in mind the dispute over Jama Masjid last year and the possibility of any unrest during the upcoming festivals. The district administration states that anti-social elements may try to disrupt the atmosphere, hence this step has been taken as a precautionary measure.
Jama Masjid Dispute
The dispute over Jama Masjid in Sambhal began in November 2024. On November 19, 2024, Mahant Rishiraj Giri of Kailadevi Temple, through Supreme Court advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain and local advocate Vishnu Kumar Sharma, claimed in court that the Jama Masjid located in Mohalla Court Purvi, Thana Sambhal, was formerly the Harihar Temple.
Following this claim, a survey was conducted by an advocate commission on November 24, 2024. There was significant dispute during the survey, and members of the Muslim community opposed it. Incidents of stone-pelting, arson, and firing occurred during the protest. These incidents led to the entire Sambhal district being declared highly sensitive.
Administration's Growing Concern Amidst Festivals
Several major festivals and religious events are scheduled in Sambhal district in the coming days. These include:
- Eid-e-Milad (Barawafat)
- Vishwakarma Puja
- Maharaj Agrasen Jayanti
- Diwali
- Govardhan Puja
- Bhai Dooj
- Chitragupta Jayanti
The administration anticipates potential unrest during these occasions. Based on information from reliable sources, it has been stated that anti-social elements might exploit the festival crowds and atmosphere to disturb peace and order. Under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, the district administration has the authority to impose a prohibitory order in any area in case of potential unrest or riots. With the implementation of Section 163 in Sambhal:
- Gatherings of large numbers of people in public places will be prohibited.
- Strict and immediate action will be taken against those spreading rumors and disturbing the peace.
- Police and administrative officials have been placed on 24-hour alert.
- Any form of rallies, processions, or sit-ins/demonstrations will be banned in the district.
District Magistrate Dr. Rajendra Pasiya has clearly stated that strict legal action will be taken against those who violate Section 163.
