SP leaders stopped from visiting Sambhal as ban on outsiders’ entry extended till December 10

Lucknow: In the wake of escalating tensions and violence following the survey of the Jama Masjid, the Sambhal district administration has imposed strict measures to maintain peace and order. On Saturday, District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya issued an order barring the entry of outsiders, social organisations, and public representatives into the district until December 10, without prior approval from the competent authority.

The directive aims to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the district remains peaceful. This decision, however, sparked political criticism as it disrupted a planned visit by a 15-member delegation of the Samajwadi Party (SP), led by Leader of the Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Mata Prasad Pandey.

The delegation, which intended to meet victims and gather information about the situation in Sambhal, was stopped in its tracks. According to Pandey, the state’s Home Secretary, Sanjay Prasad, personally called him, requesting the delegation not to visit Sambhal. Pandey later addressed the media from his residence in Lucknow, criticizing the restrictions.

Meanwhile, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav lambasted the BJP government for imposing the prohibitory order. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Yadav accused the government of administrative failure.

“The BJP government’s ban on visiting Sambhal reflects the utter failure of its governance and management,” Yadav posted. He further alleged that the administration’s inaction against those responsible for inciting violence and raising provocative slogans had worsened the situation.

Yadav also demanded the suspension and dismissal of the entire administrative team responsible for handling the Sambhal unrest. “The BJP has already lost its moral ground,” he concluded.

Earlier, the SP had postponed its visit after Uttar Pradesh DGP assured a fair investigation. However, Pandey accused authorities of implicating innocent people, saying, “Even FIRs have been lodged against those who weren’t present during the violence.”

Meanwhile, state Congress president Ajay Rai announced that a party delegation would visit Sambhal on December 2.

On Friday, the Supreme Court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to maintain peace and harmony in Sambhal. The apex court also ordered the survey report of the Jama Masjid to be sealed and stayed proceedings in the local court. The bench, hearing a petition by the mosque management committee, emphasized the importance of ensuring impartiality and avoiding any action that could aggravate tensions.The Samajwadi Party has pledged financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those killed in the recent violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. MP Ruchi Veera stated that the party stands in solidarity with the bereaved families. Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has announced the aid, which will be disbursed to the families soon.

The Samajwadi Party has also demanded that the state government provide a compensation of Rs 1 crore to each victim’s family.