Sambhal bans rooftop storage of stones, bottles after violence over mosque survey

An order issued by a senior official of the Sambhal district administration banned the buying or collecting of stones, soda bottles, or any flammable or explosive material on roofs by people.

In Short

• Four killed in Sambhal protest clashes
• Stone, explosive items banned on roofs
• Internet suspended, schools closed

At least four people were killed and several others, including around 20 security personnel and four personnel of the administration, were injured as protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district clashed with police on Sunday, November 24.

After the clashes, the Sambhal administration banned the buying or collecting of stones, soda bottles, or any flammable or explosive material on roofs by people.

An order issued by Sambhal's Sub-District Magistrate said that strict action would be taken against people found storing the prohibited items.

In his order, the SDM also directed the local civic body to ensure that if any building construction material was lying on the roads, then it should be confiscated.

Earlier in the day, in view of the prevailing law and order situation in Sambhal, the internet services were also suspended in the district for 24 hours and a holiday was also declared on November 25 for all students up to Class 12.

Notably, the trouble started on Sunday morning when a large group of people gathered near the Shahi Jama Masjid and started shouting slogans as the survey team began their work.

Images shared on social media showed protesters throwing stones at cops from atop buildings and in front of the Shahi Jama Masjid. Later, police personnel were purportedly seen cornering and hitting people as they tried to disperse a large crowd in a narrow alleyway.

Visuals also showed a lane strewn with a large number of slippers, bricks and stones. In another purported clip, some police personnel in riot gear were seen firing gunshots towards a lane while flames leapt and smoke billowed into the air in the background.