On Sunday, Congress leader Pawan Khera strongly condemned the violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, calling it a "well-planned conspiracy" orchestrated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath and the BJP-RSS. The clashes, which erupted during a mosque survey in the district, resulted in three deaths and left nearly two dozen people, including police officers and senior officials, injured. Khera’s remarks followed a series of violent events during a survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, sparked by protests from locals opposed to the court-ordered survey.

In his statement, Khera, who serves as the Chairman of Media & Publicity for the Congress party, accused the Uttar Pradesh government of failing to ensure the safety of its citizens, particularly under CM Adityanath's leadership. Khera referenced the controversial "Batenge toh Katenge" slogan, calling it a symbol of Adityanath’s aggressive stance against dissent and opposition. He emphasized that the violent incidents in Sambhal were indicative of the rising intolerance under the current leadership, a stark contrast to the harmony that once prevailed in Western Uttar Pradesh.

The violence began as protesters opposed to the court-ordered survey clashed with the police, torching vehicles and pelting stones. The police responded by using tear gas, batons, and eventually live fire to disperse the crowd. According to Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, several law enforcement officers were injured, including the PRO of the superintendent of police, who suffered a gunshot wound. The violence also resulted in significant damage to public property, including burnt vehicles and debris scattered across the streets.

As a result of the unrest, internet services in Sambhal tehsil were suspended for 24 hours, and the local administration declared a holiday for students up to Class 12 on November 25. Authorities have also announced that individuals responsible for the violence will face charges under the National Security Act (NSA).

Social media footage from the scene depicted chaotic scenes of stone-throwing from rooftops and narrow lanes, and police officers in riot gear firing into crowds. One particular video captured Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar urging protesters to cease the violence, while the streets were filled with flames and debris, painting a disturbing picture of the ongoing clashes.

From a legal perspective, Vishnu Shankar Jain, a Supreme Court lawyer, who is a petitioner in the case, explained that the Court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) had ordered the formation of an Advocate Commission to survey the mosque and document its findings through videography and photography. The Hindu side, represented by local lawyer Gopal Sharma, claimed that a temple at the site had been demolished by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1529, raising questions over the ownership and history of the land.

The clashes in Sambhal have brought into sharp focus the rising tensions over religious sites and their significance, with both local and national leaders weighing in on the volatile situation. As investigations continue and authorities seek to maintain law and order, the impact of these events on the 2024 political landscape of Uttar Pradesh remains to be seen.

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