Ban on outsiders' entry extended in Sambhal, SP MPs barred from entering
Three Samajwadi Party parliamentarians, including Sambhal MP, were prevented from entering the violence-hit Sambhal district on Saturday. The administration had extended a ban on the entry of outsiders until December 10 to ensure peace and order in the region. The previous ban, set to expire on Saturday, was enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, which allows authorities to impose restrictions in urgent cases of potential danger.
MPs' attempt to visit Sambhal
The Samajwadi Party had planned for a 15-member delegation to visit Sambhal to gather information regarding the violence erupted following a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. However, the delegation, led by Muzaffarnagar MP Harendra Malik, was stopped in Ghaziabad while on its way to Sambhal.
"I do not understand why we are being stopped. Are the opposition leaders and MPs so irresponsible that they cannot move within the state?" Malik questioned. The delegation also included Kairana MP Iqra Hasan and Sambhal MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, the latter of whom has been booked for "provocative acts" in connection with the violence on November 24.
Violence in Sambhal, subsequent clashes
Tensions in Sambhal have been escalating since November 19, when a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid was carried out. The survey followed claims a Harihar temple had once stood at the site of the mosque. Violence erupted during a second survey on November 24, when protesters clashed with security forces, leading to stone-pelting, arson and fatalities. Four people died, and several others were injured during the clashes. The police have denied accusations of firing at protesters.
The Supreme Court has since instructed the Sambhal trial court to halt proceedings in the case and the mosque’s survey.
District Magistrate's statement
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Sambhal District Magistrate, Rajendra Pensiya confirmed the extension of restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita until December 31. "To maintain peace and order, no outsider, social organisation or public representative can enter the district without the permission of the competent authority until December 10," he said.
Pensiya also warned against spreading rumors on social media. He stated that group administrators must delete such posts and immediately notify the police. Cyber cafes in Sambhal were instructed to maintain a visitor register, and public effigies would be prohibited.
Samajwadi Party's response
Malik, expressing frustration over being stopped, criticized the government's actions as autocratic. "What can we do? The government is acting in an autocratic manner," he said. He also questioned why opposition MPs were being prevented from visiting the area, suggesting that the government may be trying to hide its misdeeds in Sambhal.
Security measures, opposition leaders' actions
In Moradabad, security personnel surrounded the residence of Samajwadi Party MP Ruchi Veera to prevent her from traveling to Sambhal. The Leader of Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Mata Prasad Pandey, who was set to lead the delegation, revealed the state’s Home Secretary Sanjay Prasad called him to request the postponement of the visit. Pandey has now launched a sit-in protest in Lucknow, accusing the government of trying to hide its mistakes.
Pandey added the Sambhal District Magistrate also called to inform him of the extended ban on outsiders’ entry. He hinted the government might be trying to block their visit to cover up its wrongdoings.
Congress Party's planned visit
Meanwhile, Congress state chief Ajay Rai stated a party delegation would visit Sambhal on December 2, as planned.
The situation in Sambhal remains tense, with heavy security deployed across the district as authorities seek to prevent further unrest.
