ALBAWABA- Five young Muslims were killed by police in the Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh, India, during protests against the conversion of a 500-year-old mosque into a Hindu temple.
The unrest erupted when a court-ordered survey team, accompanied by Hindu extremist "Hindutva" groups, arrived at the Shahi Jama Masjid to inspect the site.
The mosque, built during the Mughal era, has been the subject of a contentious legal battle, with claims that it stands on the ruins of a demolished Hindu temple.
Protesters, fearing an attempt to seize the mosque, clashed with police, who responded with tear gas and live ammunition.
Local authorities confirmed the deaths of three men—Naeem, Bilal, and Noman—while a fourth victim, a 19-year-old, succumbed to injuries later. More than 20 police officers were injured, and videos on social media showed stone pelting, vehicles set ablaze, and chaotic scenes.
To contain the violence, authorities imposed a ban on public gatherings, shut down schools, restricted access to the area, and arrested at least 25 people. Internet services remain suspended, and police complaints have been filed against over 2,500 individuals.
Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, a local Member of Parliament from the Samajwadi Party, was accused of inciting violence, a charge he denies, calling the incident a “preplanned” attack targeting Muslims. “It is unfortunate and reflective of the larger trend of targeting Muslims across the country,” Barq said.
The protests echo the infamous 1992 demolition of the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya, where similar claims led to nationwide communal violence.
Muslims in Sambhal allege that the survey was rushed, denying them an opportunity to present their case, further stoking fears of losing the historic mosque.
This incident highlights the growing communal tensions in India, as concerns over religious intolerance and the politicization of heritage sites continue to rise.
