What's happened
On November 24, 2024, violent clashes erupted in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, as nearly 1,000 Muslim protesters confronted police during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The unrest resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries, prompting authorities to impose restrictions and detain several individuals amid rising tensions over religious disputes.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the clashes resulted in the deaths of four Muslim youths and injuries to at least 20 police officers, with authorities detaining 21 individuals. The report emphasizes the government's swift response, including internet shutdowns and movement restrictions. AP News notes that the survey proceeded despite the unrest, indicating a determination to uncover historical truths, while critics argue it violates the Places of Worship Act, 1991. Maroosha Muzaffar from The Independent highlights the political ramifications, with opposition leaders criticizing the government's handling of the situation, suggesting a biased approach that exacerbates tensions.
How we got here
The conflict stems from a legal petition claiming the Shahi Jama Masjid was built on the site of a Hindu temple destroyed by Mughal emperor Babur in the 1520s. The survey, initiated by the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government, has reignited historical grievances between Hindu and Muslim communities in India.
More on these topics
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Sambhal is a city located in the Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The city lies approximately 158 km east of New Delhi and 355 km north-west of state capital Lucknow.
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Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India. With roughly 200 million inhabitants, it is the most populous state in India as well as the most populous country subdivision in the world.
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Narendra Damodardas Modi is an Indian politician serving as the 14th and current Prime Minister of India since 2014. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, and is the Member of Parliament for Varanasi.