The Aryavarth Express
Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh): Security has been tightened around the Shahi Jama Masjid area in Sambhal as the district administration prepares to carry out an anti-encroachment drive near the mosque’s cemetery on Tuesday. Personnel from the police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and Rapid Response Force (RRF) have been deployed to maintain law and order.
Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Singh said extensive arrangements have been made in view of the planned action. “Adequate police force, including nine SHOs, three inspector-rank officers, and one company each of PAC and RRF, have been deployed. A drone team has also been engaged,” he said.
Earlier, on November 24, police and district administration officials conducted a flag march in the area to instil a sense of security among residents. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia said such marches are part of a routine administrative exercise carried out regularly in the mornings and evenings, involving both police and district-level officers.
“This is a regular process aimed at building trust and ensuring people feel secure. These marches are conducted consistently at various levels,” the DM said.
On November 17, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a review meeting in Sambhal to assess development works and the law-and-order situation. He directed officials to undertake the district’s development in a phased manner, stressing that Sambhal remains a priority for the state government.
According to an official release, the Chief Minister instructed that the first phase focus on restoring ancient pilgrimage sites and traditional wells, while the second phase should include projects such as a museum and light-and-sound facilities. He also called for expediting the construction of the District Court, jail, and a PAC unit.
The Chief Minister reviewed the functioning of several departments, including Revenue, Home, Justice, Public Works, Tourism and Culture, and Urban Development. He noted that Sambhal has 68 pilgrimage sites and 19 wells, directing the administration to speed up efforts to identify and restore them.
Sambhal had witnessed violence on November 24, 2024, during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of a Mughal-era mosque, which resulted in four deaths and injuries to police personnel and locals. The survey was conducted as part of a legal process following a petition claiming the structure was originally a temple.
