In the latest instance of religious conflict in India, five Muslims were killed by police during protests against a proposed demolition of the 500-year-old Shahi Mosque in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The controversy erupted following a court-ordered survey requested by Hindu nationalist groups, who claim the mosque was constructed atop a demolished Hindu temple. These groups demand its conversion into a temple, sparking violent clashes.
The situation escalated as protesters threw stones and set vehicles ablaze, prompting police to respond with tear gas and live ammunition. Authorities imposed strict measures, including bans on public gatherings, school closures, and internet shutdowns, in a bid to restore order.
Echoes of the Babri Mosque Incident
The current conflict bears striking similarities to the 1992 demolition of the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya, which led to nationwide communal violence and the eventual construction of a Hindu temple on the contested site. Analysts believe these events reflect a larger trend of targeting Muslim heritage sites under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has been accused of encouraging Hindu nationalist policies that exacerbate religious divisions.
Broader Implications and Criticism
Local leaders and activists have condemned the killings and the handling of the situation. Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, a Member of Parliament, labeled the incident a “preplanned attack” aimed at marginalizing Muslims. Critics argue the rapid execution of the survey denied Muslim communities the opportunity to present their case, amplifying fears of systemic religious intolerance. The international community has raised concerns over the growing politicization of heritage sites and the escalating communal tensions in India.
This incident underscores the persistent challenges of maintaining secularism and religious harmony in India as debates over historical narratives and land use continue to fuel unrest.
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