Local Muslim clerics and community leaders have appealed to authorities to stop groups from gathering near religious sites, warning that even a small spark can lead to serious unrest in the district
SAMBHAL — Tension is escalating in this Uttar Pradesh city as a Hindu group plans to walk around the historic Shahi Jama Masjid on November 19, sparking fears of a repeat of the Fatehpur incidents where a Muslim shrine was desecrated.
The announcement by Hari Har Sena has left local Muslims feeling uneasy and vulnerable, with many recalling the violent attacks on Nawab Abdul Samad’s tomb in Fatehpur’s Abu Nagar area earlier this month and in August. The desecration of the mausoleum took place as the large contingent of police stood by in silence.
“We are scared. We saw what happened in Fatehpur when people damaged the tomb. We do not want the same pain here. We only want peace,” said a Sambhal resident, voicing the community’s concerns.
The controversy stems from claims by the Hari Har Sena that the Shahi Jama Masjid is actually the “Shri Hari Har Mandir”. The group’s planned “padyatra” has raised alarm, with Muslims fearing for the safety of their heritage sites. The administration’s silence has added to the anxiety, leaving many feeling unprotected and unheard.
Rishi Raj Giri, head priest of the Kela Devi Temple and founder of the Hari Har Sena, announced the “padyatra” and walk around the historic mosque in what they describe as a “disputed complex.”
He told reporters, “Our message is clear. This was, is, and will remain a Hari Har Temple. The matter is in court, and we respect the court process. We will simply walk around the Hari Har Temple complex.”
According to Giri, the march will start at 10 am and follow a route of about two and a half kilometres around the outer boundary of the mosque area before returning to the Kela Devi Temple through Moti Nagar.
He said the walk is meant to mark one year since a survey was conducted at the site last November. However, Giri also admitted that his team has not received any formal permission.
He said, “We have not yet spoken to the administration about this social and religious activity.”
The district officials and police have not provided a clear answer regarding permission, which has added to Muslim anxieties. Many people worry that the situation could spiral out of control if a large group marches towards the mosque without proper approval.
An elderly Muslim man near the mosque said, “The administration must act. We cannot sit helpless while outsiders try to create trouble. If they wanted peace, they would not choose such sensitive places.”
Local Muslim clerics and community leaders have appealed to authorities to stop groups from gathering near religious sites, warning that even a small spark can lead to serious unrest in the district.
The memory of the Fatehpur attack remains fresh. Many Muslims feel that the pattern is similar, and they fear that their heritage may again be targeted.
A young shopkeeper said, “We saw videos of Fatehpur. The police did nothing. If the same happens here, who will protect us?”
As the community waits for an official statement, the administration faces pressure to prevent tension and protect all places of worship. Residents say that the district must learn from Fatehpur and act before harm is done.
A Muslim teacher from Sambhal said, “Peace comes only when the law is firm. The administration must show that it will not allow anyone to disturb harmony.”
The situation remains sensitive, and people fear that if the authorities do not intervene clearly and quickly, Sambhal may face unrest similar to what happened in Fatehpur.
