New Delhi: The political battle in Sambhal continues as Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai, along with other leaders, was set to visit the violence-hit district today. However, the UP Police has served a notice to Rai, instructing him not to visit the area. The notice, issued by the Lucknow Police, cites concerns regarding maintaining peace and communal sensitivity in the region, urging Rai to cancel his proposed visit to avoid violating the administrative orders in place under section 163 of BNSSS.
In response to the notice, Ajay Rai stated that the authorities had invoked section 163, claiming that his visit would cause disorder. However, Rai expressed that his aim was to promote peace and highlight the injustices and atrocities committed by the police and the state government. He further emphasized that they would pursue their visit using Gandhian methods and would not back down.
Situation in Sambhal remain tense
Earlier, the Samajwadi Party (SP) delegation was also prevented from visiting Sambhal. Uttar Pradesh SP President Shyam Lal Pal was placed under house arrest, and four MPs were stopped at the district borders. The district administration has imposed section 163 in Sambhal, restricting any outsider, social organization, or representative from entering the district without prior permission from the competent authorities until December 10.
The situation in Sambhal has remained tense since the court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid on November 19. The court’s order was based on a petition claiming that the location of the mosque was originally that of the Harirhar Temple. Violence erupted on November 24 during a second survey of the mosque, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and over 25 injuries. This violent incident has intensified the political turmoil in the region.
