The planned police post near the historic mosque has created a sense of unease among the Muslim community in the city
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – In a move to bolster security following recent unrest, the Uttar Pradesh Police have begun constructing a new police post near the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal district. The foundation for the post was ceremoniously laid on Saturday, with the chanting of mantras and a Hindu worship ritual, a step that has raised eyebrows amidst the ongoing tensions between the local Muslim community and authorities.
The construction comes after violent clashes on November 24, which erupted during a survey of the mosque by a court-appointed team. The violence left five dead and many others injured, including several police officers. The incident has prompted the state government to take stronger security measures in the area, which has a history of communal tension.
The foundation for the new police post was laid in a ritualistic manner, with two Brahmins conducting a puja, chanting mantras to consecrate the ground. This act of laying the foundation with religious ceremonies has sparked controversy, with many questioning its appropriateness given the location near the Shahi Jama Masjid, a place of worship for the Muslim community.
“The construction of this police post is a response to the need for increased security in the area,” explained Additional Superintendent of Police Shrish Chandra. “The area has been surveyed, and we have completed the measurements for the new chowki. After the work is done, we will ensure constant police presence around the clock.”
Despite the officer’s reassurances, the involvement of religious rituals in a security installation near a mosque has raised concerns. Critics argue that this could further escalate tensions in an already volatile environment. The construction of the police post, which is located in the Kot Garvi locality, is seen as part of the state’s larger efforts to assert control over areas with significant Muslim populations.
The violence that unfolded on November 24, during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, has left the community shaken. According to reports, clashes broke out between the local people and the police when the survey team arrived. The situation quickly escalated, resulting in five fatalities and numerous injuries.
“The violence was a tragic outcome of the police action,” said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “The police arrived with an aggressive posture, and the situation became uncontrollable. People were simply defending their place of worship.”
The police maintain that the violence was initiated by civilians, who allegedly fired shots at officers. According to the administration, the police had no choice but to respond to the threat. However, opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, have strongly disputed this claim.
The opposition has accused the police of indiscriminately firing at the public. Sambhal MP Ziaur Rahman Barq has been vocal in his criticism, alleging that the police fired using illegal weapons. “The police fired bullets from unregistered guns, and they did this deliberately to cover up their actions,” Barq claimed. “The police want to ensure that the shooters cannot be identified, and this is a grave violation of human rights.”
Barq’s accusations have been echoed by many members of the local community, who claim that the police used excessive force during the clashes. “The police opened fire on innocent people who were simply protesting,” said another resident, Mohammad Irfan. “This is not how the police should behave. They should protect the people, not attack them.”
In contrast, the police defend their actions, insisting that they were merely responding to aggression from the protesters. “The situation was volatile, and we had to act swiftly to restore order,” said Additional Superintendent of Police Chandra. “We are committed to maintaining peace and will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
The construction of a police post near the Shahi Jama Masjid, coupled with the ritualistic foundation-laying ceremony, has created a sense of unease among the Muslim community in Sambhal. Many feel that the presence of a police post, combined with the religious undertones of its construction, will further alienate them from the state authorities.
“This is a direct challenge to the Muslim community in Sambhal,” said Maulana Ahmad Raza, an imam at a nearby mosque. “The police should be there to protect us, not to create divisions. The foundation ceremony was meant to intimidate us, and we cannot accept this. The mosque has always been a symbol of peace, and now the authorities are trying to turn it into a point of conflict.”
Locals worry that the police post will lead to more surveillance and restrictions on their daily lives. “We are not against security, but we do not want to be treated as criminals in our own homes,” said Fatima Begum, a Sambhal resident. “This is just one more way the government is trying to control us.”
While many in the Muslim community have voiced concerns over the construction of the police post, others see it as necessary to ensure the safety of the area. “There has been a lot of unrest lately, and the police post will help restore order,” said Imran Khan, a local shopkeeper. We want peace, and if this police post can help achieve that, we are in favour of it.”
However, the opposition continues to push for an investigation into the events of November 24 and the role of the police in escalating the violence. “This is not just a matter of security, it is about justice,” said Ziaur Rahman Barq. “The people who were killed that day deserve justice, and the government cannot hide behind the construction of a police post to cover up its failures.”
As the police post nears completion, the people of Sambhal remain divided. While some welcome the increased security, others view it as a provocative move that will only escalate tensions in the area. The violence of November 24 has left a deep scar on the community, and the actions of the police since then have done little to heal those wounds.
The situation remains tense, with many wondering whether the police post will indeed bring the promised security or if it will further deepen the divide between the authorities and the Muslim community. Only time will tell whether this new security measure will be a step toward peace or a catalyst for further conflict.
