Violence-hit Sambhal has been turned into a fortress ahead of Friday namaz with heavy police deployment around the Shahi Jama Masjid. Violence had broken out in the town during a court-ordered survey of the mosque on November 24 after a petition was filed claiming the Mughal-era mosque was built on a temple site.
Deputy Inspector General, Moradabad Range, Muniraj G said three-tier security scheme has been implemented in the town and Rapid Action Force and PAC have been deployed.
“The Friday prayers will happen peacefully and for that, we have made all the arrangements…3 tier security scheme has been implemented…PSC, RAF have also been deployed…,” said the DIG while speaking to ANI.
Security has also been beefed up outside Chanduasi District Court where the advocate commissioner was supposed to submit the report of the survey.
However, Court Commissioner Ramesh Raghav said that the report will not be submitted on Friday and another date has been sought for the submission.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said the administration has been asked to remain on alert. “We will maintain law and order in every situation. I assure the people that our govt is preparing a safe environment. We will strengthen law and order in the state…,” he said.
On Thursday, police held flag marches in areas near the mosque. The local administration and police also held a meeting with Muslim clerics regarding the Friday prayers.
Mohammad Alauddin Ajmali, the ‘shahar qazi’ urged the people to offer prayers at the mosques in their respective localities.
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangimahali, member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, said the Muslim communities and parties have been asked to maintain peace.
“We all have condemned the incident of Sambhal and the manner in which the courts are giving orders for the survey of various Mosques. It has created an essence of insecurity in the minds of Muslims, especially related to Mosques,” he said.
“We have appealed to Muslim communities and parties to maintain peace…I again appeal to Muslims that we should have faith in the Constitution…,” he added.
