Days after the confrontation that erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal killing four people and injuring many others, the state government will be displaying posters of ``the stone pelters ''at prominent public locations
On Sunday, November 24, the tension gained momentum and a clash erupted between security personnel and a large group of people who gathered near the mosque and started shouting slogans as the survey team resumed its work. Police have confirmed four people lost their lives in the clashes, while local reports say another person also died die to injuries later.
Days after the confrontation that erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal killing four people and injuring many others, the state government will be displaying posters of ``the stone pelters ''at prominent public locations
The protestors will also have to pay the cost of damage to public property during their clashes with police.
PTI quoted an official spokesperson saying, "The UP government is adopting a firm stance against the individuals involved in the Sambhal violence. Posters of the stone pelters and miscreants will be displayed publicly, and recovery of damages will be sought. A reward may also be announced for information leading to their arrest."
The Uttar Pradesh government had earlier displayed similar poster during the 2020 CAA protests, the posters however were taken down following court directives.
Communal tension was brewing in Sambhal following a plea in court on November 19 seeking survey of Shahi Jama Masjid in Kot Garvi area. The court ordered a survey of the site after hearing the petition claiming a Harihar temple stood at the site. The first part of the survey took place on the same day without any incident of violence reported.
On Sunday, November 24, the tension gained momentum and a clash erupted between security personnel and a large group of people who gathered near the mosque and started shouting slogans as the survey team resumed its work. Police have confirmed four people lost their lives in the clashes, while local reports say another person also died die to injuries later.
In view of the escalating tension in the region, the authorities imposed restrictions on the entry of outsiders and public representatives into Sambhal until November 30 while strict surveillance by police still continues with personnel deployed at key intersections and Rapid Action Force teams stationed in sensitive areas
Following the major communal flare-up, members of both Hindu and Muslim communities have reportedly called for unity and pledged to rebuild communal harmony.
Violence killed four people: The clash killed four people while several others, including police personnel, were injured in Sambhal on Sunday.
25 people arrested: So far, police have arrested 25 individuals and registered seven FIRs, which include charges against Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Sohail Iqbal, son of the party's local MLA Iqbal Mehmood, and over 2,750 unidentified suspects.
Probe underway: A magisterial probe is underway, and Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi stated on Monday that the situation was now under control. He assured that "strict action will be taken against those responsible for the unrest."
Schools, shops reopening: Life in Uttar Pradesh's violence-hit Sambhal has been gradually returning to normal as schools and shops are reopening after a massive unrest erupted in the area concerning a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque.
Internet suspended: The internet services still remain suspended in Sambhal tehsil on Tuesday. District Information Officer Brijesh Kumar told PTI that as per the directives of the district magistrate, internet services would remain suspended in Sambhal tehsil till 4 pm on Wednesday.
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Commenting on the current situation, Divisional Commissioner (Moradabad) Aunjaneya Kumar Singh on Tuesday said, "The situation is normal in Sambhal and most of the shops are open. Some shops are closed in the area where the violence broke out, but in that area too there is no tension as such. There is security deployment and the situation is under control, moving towards normalcy."
On the legal action after the violence, Singh said as police continue to gather evidence, several FIRs have been registered and more could be filed in future. He also warned action against those spreading rumours and engaged in arson.
"The local MP and the son of the local MLA have also been booked for provoking (the crowd). Further probe is ongoing. CCTV footage are being checked. It was a spontaneous action. It was the second time that the survey was being carried out. "Everyone had a chance to present their side in the court, or they could take it up in higher courts. But that was not done...instead such an act was done, which spoiled the atmosphere. No guilty would be spared of strict action," he said.
DIG Muniraj G said no untoward incident was reported from anywhere in Sambhal on Tuesday. "Normalcy is being restored, shops are opening, there is no problem," he said. Muniraj said the number of arrestees stood at 25 while investigations are on to identify violence suspects.