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New Delhi: A year after the violence that broke out during the Jama Masjid survey in Sambhal on November 24, 2024, the city is calm and peaceful. Sambhal Jama Masjid President Zafar Ali said on Monday that the violence that took place in the city last year is a thing of the past and now the situation is completely normal.
Speaking to IANS, Zafar Ali said, “The incident of November 24, 2024 was unfortunate, but now it is a thing of the past. One year later, the city is completely normal. We have not issued any special instructions regarding prayers or any other arrangements. Everything will continue as normal. Hindus and Muslims are living together peacefully, and no untoward incident is happening.”
He said, “Security forces are active in the area to maintain peace, police are doing their job and we are doing our job. There is no change in the namaz proceedings; we all go for namaz as before. I want to urge my brothers to maintain peace and unity.”
Residents expressed similar sentiments, praising the administration and security measures implemented last year.
A local said, “Sambhal has never had such an administration before. The way they handled the situation, the city was saved from a major tragedy.”
Another said, “The administration is working very well, security forces are deployed everywhere and people are feeling safe.”
To celebrate the anniversary, authorities have tightened security across the district. Sambhal police is on high alert, additional forces have been deployed in sensitive areas.
A multi-layered security plan has been initiated, involving patrolling by RAF contingents, PAC personnel and local police units. Surveillance has been increased in the area around Jama Masjid and additional personnel have been deployed at places considered sensitive.
CCTV cameras have been installed at the site of last year’s violence and the surrounding areas, which are monitored live from the Satyavrat Chowki control room. The officers are continuously coordinating with the ground teams to maintain law and order.
The Jama Masjid in Sambhal, built during the reign of the first Mughal emperor Babur between 1526 and 1530, is one of the three major mosques built during his rule, along with the mosque in Panipat and the now demolished Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
As Sambhal marks the first anniversary of the unrest, both officials and community leaders are stressing on peace, harmony and vigilance to ensure that the city remains peaceful and safe.
–IANS