The recent survey of Jama Masjid in Sambhal, ordered by a civil judge, has sparked widespread controversy and outrage among Muslim organizations, following violent clashes that led to the loss of five lives. The survey, initially conducted without incident on the first day, descended into chaos on the second day, after local Muslim residents protested against what they perceived as a “motivated survey.” The violent turn of events, which included arson and police firing, has raised serious concerns about the conduct of the authorities and the court’s role in the process.
Muslim leaders have criticized the court for bypassing the mosque committee’s perspective before ordering the survey, calling it a breach of constitutional principles and judicial fairness. Malik Moatasim Khan, Vice-President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, told The Hindu, “The decision to proceed with the survey without hearing the mosque committee’s viewpoint reflects a significant lapse in judicial fairness. The presence of anti-social elements accompanying the survey team, along with their provocative actions, led to heightened communal tensions and the tragic loss of innocent lives.”
The survey, which initially proceeded without resistance, saw violence erupt when individuals accompanying the survey team began shouting provocative slogans. This incitement, according to local residents, led to clashes, resulting in the deaths of several protesters. Mr. Khan and Mahmood Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, both demanded a judicial probe into the violence, especially the police action that led to the deaths of protesters.
Mr. Madani questioned the role of the police in allowing individuals with provocative intentions to accompany the survey team, thereby escalating tensions. He asked, “Why did the police allow such individuals to join the survey team? Why were they not stopped from inciting violence with their divisive slogans aimed at one community?”
Both leaders also expressed concerns about the implications of the survey, calling it part of a broader pattern of attempts to undermine the Places of Worship Act of 1991, which protects religious sites as they stood in 1947. They stressed the importance of upholding this law to prevent any attempts to change the status quo of religious places based on historical claims.
Khan and Madani further condemned the police actions, calling the deaths of Muslim youths allegedly caused by police firing as an example of state oppression and discrimination. “This is a clear violation of the constitutional right to dignity and life,” Mr. Khan stated, while Mr. Madani added that the police response was oppressive and unjust, leading to the senseless loss of innocent lives.
The Muslim organizations also reaffirmed their stance on the importance of respecting the Places of Worship Act and called for immediate measures to prevent the illegal appropriation of religious sites under the guise of historical claims. They emphasized that the government and judiciary must act decisively to protect religious harmony and uphold the rights of all communities.
As the demand for a judicial investigation into the incident grows, the focus remains on ensuring accountability for the violence and ensuring that such tragic events are not repeated.
