One year on, Sambhal stays peaceful amid tight security

The police held flag marches and maintained vigil in Sambhal on Monday (November 24, 2025), marking the first anniversary of the violence that unfolded in the west Uttar Pradesh district last November when a court-ordered survey of a 16th-century Jama Masjid, allegedly the site of an older temple, triggered large-scale protests, leaving five persons dead.

Police teams, 19 Magistrates, units of the Rapid Action Force and two battalions of the Provincial Armed Constabulary were deployed in the district to maintain order, said a senior officer, adding that no untoward incident was reported during the day.

“Dr. Rajendra Pansiya, District Magistrate and Krishan Bishnoi, Superintendent of Police (SP) Sambhal in view of law and order and with the aim of instilling a sense of security in the public, conducting patrolling on foot in the main roads, markets and crowded areas in the town of Sambhal,” said district police in an official statement.

Similar patrolling was conducted in other parts of the district by local authorities to prevent any untoward incident. “Under the direction of SP Sambhal, CO Chandausi along with SHO Chandausi and police force checked suspicious persons/vehicles at important places along with foot patrolling aimed at crime control, law and order under the jurisdiction of Police Station Chandausi,” said Sambhal police in a statement.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring justice, strengthening law and order, and preventing any attempt—by internal or external forces—to disturb social balance or exploit religious sentiments. The party added that it remains firmly committed to safeguarding Sambhal’s cultural identity.

“As we mark one year since the unfortunate violence in Sambhal, the Bharatiya Janata Party remembers the lives lost and the families affected by the unrest. The events of that day were a grave assault on peace and communal harmony, and the findings of the judicial inquiry have made it clear that the violence was neither spontaneous nor accidental. We reiterate our government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring justice, strengthening law and order, and preventing any attempt—by internal or external forces—to disturb social balance or exploit religious sentiments,” said Pushkar Mishra, a senior BJP leader based in Uttar Pradesh.

Mr. Mishra added, “Going forward, the BJP remains firmly committed to safeguarding Sambhal’s cultural identity, promoting development for all communities, and ensuring that such incidents never recur. Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold peace, unity, and the rule of law.” 

Sambhal, a west U.P. town witnessed violence on November 24, 2024, the second day of the Shahi Jama Mosque survey as protesters gathered near the mosque and clashed with U.P. police personnel, leading to heavy stone pelting and alleged gun shots being fired by cops with U.P. police claimed of using ‘mild force’ to control the situation.

The Supreme Court since ordered the Sambhal trial court to halt proceedings in the survey case.