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Sambhal on High Alert: Temple Parikrama Amid Security Surge and Tensions

The Sambhal administration has implemented massive security measures ahead of Wednesday's planned Harihar Temple parikrama. More than 200 Rapid Action Force personnel have been deployed alongside extensive drone surveillance and 400 CCTV cameras. The religious procession comes amid ongoing tensions over the disputed Shahi Jama Masjid site, which some claim was built over an ancient temple. This heightened security follows last year's violent clashes during an ASI survey that resulted in five fatalities.

Key Points: Sambhal Security Heightened for Harihar Temple Parikrama Event

  • Over 200 RAF personnel deployed with traffic police and eight police stations
  • Drones operating from 100m height with live surveillance control room
  • 400 CCTV cameras installed citywide with barricades on all approach roads
  • Parikrama covers 22km route from Maa Kailadevi Dham to disputed site
  • Jama Masjid committee dismisses parikrama announcement as completely false
  • Security measures follow last year's violence that left five dead
2 min read

Sambhal on alert after Maa Kailadevi Dham mahant announces Harihar Temple Parikrama

UP administration deploys 200+ RAF personnel, drones, and 400 CCTV cameras as Sambhal prepares for sensitive Harihar Temple parikrama amid ongoing religious dispute.

"A final decision on permission for the pilgrimage will be taken on November 19. - District Magistrate Dr Rajender Pensiya"

Sambhal, Nov 19

The administration in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal remains on heightened alert ahead of the Harihar Temple Parikrama planned for Wednesday, prompting a significant escalation in security measures across the city.

More than 200 Rapid Action Force personnel have been deployed, in addition to traffic police, forces from eight police stations, and four Circle Officers who will be on duty throughout the day.

The entire route and surrounding areas are being closely monitored through drones and an extensive CCTV network.

Drones are operating from a height of nearly 100 metres, with live surveillance coordinated from the control room at Satyavrat police station.

Over 400 CCTV cameras have been installed citywide, while police personnel and barricades have been placed on all three roads leading to the religious site.

The pilgrimage will begin at Maa Kailadevi Dham and proceed toward the disputed site, where devotees will circumambulate the Harihar Temple precincts.

The total distance from the shrine to the disputed location is around 22 kilometres. The journey will initially take place by vehicle until Motinagar village on Ganna Road in the Hayatnagar police station area, from where a two-and-a-half-kilometre-long foot procession will begin, led by saints and sages.

The announcement of the parikrama was made by Mahant Rishiraj Giri of Maa Kailadevi Dham.

However, Zafar Ali, representing the Jama Masjid Intezamia Committee, dismissed the announcement as "completely false", asserting that such a circumambulation had never taken place at the mosque.

District Magistrate Dr Rajender Pensiya said, "A final decision on permission for the pilgrimage will be taken on November 19."

The Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal has long been at the heart of a sensitive dispute following claims that it was constructed over the remains of a Shri Hari temple allegedly demolished by Mughal ruler Babur in the early 16th century.

The renewed focus on the site comes just days before the first anniversary of the 2024 Sambhal violence.

On November 24 last year, violence broke out during a court-mandated Archaeological Survey of India survey of the 500-year-old ASI-protected mosque, following allegations regarding its origins. The unrest led to five deaths and left several others injured.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why create unnecessary tension? Both communities have been living peacefully. These announcements just disturb the harmony. Let's focus on development instead of digging up old disputes.
A
Arjun K
Jai Maa Kailadevi! 🙌 Our religious rights must be protected. The parikrama should be allowed peacefully. The security measures show the administration is serious about maintaining law and order.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Sambhal last month, I must say the drone surveillance and 400 CCTV cameras seem excessive. While security is important, this feels like creating a fortress atmosphere. There must be a balanced approach.
V
Vikram M
The historical truth must come out. If there was a temple, it should be acknowledged. But let the courts decide - no need for processions that might lead to violence.
K
Kavya N
My family lives near the route. We're really worried about the situation. Hope the police deployment ensures everyone's safety. Last year's violence was traumatic for the entire city. 😟
M
Michael C
The conflicting statements from religious leaders are concerning. Either there's a parikrama tradition or there isn't. The administration should verify facts before making security arrangements that cost taxpayer money.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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