Why is Sambhal on Alert After the Announcement of Harihar Temple Parikrama?
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Synopsis
Sambhal is on high alert as the administration gears up for the upcoming Harihar Temple Parikrama. With heightened security and extensive monitoring in place, the city braces for potential unrest surrounding the sensitive pilgrimage. The situation escalates as local authorities prepare for a significant influx of devotees amidst ongoing disputes.
Key Takeaways
- Sambhal is on heightened alert for the Harihar Temple Parikrama.
- Over 200 personnel from the Rapid Action Force have been deployed for security.
- The pilgrimage spans approximately 22 kilometers, culminating at the disputed site.
- Extensive surveillance measures include drones and CCTV cameras across the city.
- The situation is sensitive due to historical disputes surrounding the Shahi Jama Masjid.
Sambhal, Nov 19 (NationPress) The authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal are currently on high alert in anticipation of the upcoming Harihar Temple Parikrama scheduled for Wednesday. This has led to a substantial increase in security protocols throughout the city.
In excess of 200 personnel from the Rapid Action Force have been deployed, alongside traffic police, officers from eight police stations, and four Circle Officers who will be present all day.
The entire trajectory and adjacent areas are under vigilant surveillance using drones and an extensive network of CCTV cameras.
Drones are operating at an altitude of approximately 100 meters, with real-time monitoring managed from the control room at Satyavrat police station.
More than 400 CCTV cameras have been installed across the city, while police forces and barricades have been established on all three routes leading to the religious landmark.
The pilgrimage will commence at Maa Kailadevi Dham and will proceed towards the disputed site, where participants will circumambulate the precincts of the Harihar Temple.
The total distance from the shrine to the controversial location spans about 22 kilometers. Initially, the journey will occur by vehicle until reaching Motinagar village on Ganna Road in the Hayatnagar police station jurisdiction, after which a foot procession of two and a half kilometers will ensue, led by saints and sages.
This parikrama was announced by Mahant Rishiraj Giri of Maa Kailadevi Dham.
However, Zafar Ali, who represents the Jama Masjid Intezamia Committee, dismissed the announcement as entirely false, stating that no such circumambulation has ever occurred at the mosque.
District Magistrate Dr. Rajender Pensiya indicated that a final decision regarding permission for the pilgrimage will be made on November 19.
The Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal has historically been at the center of a sensitive dispute, with claims that it was built over the remains of a Shri Hari temple allegedly demolished by the Mughal ruler Babur in the early 16th century.
The renewed attention on this site arises just days ahead of the first anniversary of the 2024 Sambhal violence.
On November 24 of last year, unrest erupted during a court-mandated survey by the Archaeological Survey of India concerning the 500-year-old ASI-protected mosque, fueled by allegations surrounding its origins. This disturbance resulted in five fatalities and numerous injuries.
Point of View
It’s crucial to observe the situation in Sambhal with a balanced perspective. The heightened security reflects the administration's commitment to maintaining peace while acknowledging the sensitive nature of the upcoming pilgrimage. The community's sentiments and historical context must be considered in navigating this complex scenario.
NationPress
19/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Harihar Temple Parikrama?
The Harihar Temple Parikrama is a pilgrimage where devotees circumambulate the Harihar Temple, starting from Maa Kailadevi Dham.
Why is Sambhal on high alert?
Sambhal is on high alert due to potential unrest surrounding the Harihar Temple Parikrama, necessitating increased security measures.
What security measures are in place for the pilgrimage?
Over 200 Rapid Action Force personnel, traffic police, and extensive surveillance via drones and CCTV cameras have been deployed.
What historical disputes surround the Shahi Jama Masjid?
The Shahi Jama Masjid is at the center of a sensitive dispute regarding its origins, claimed to have been built over a demolished Shri Hari temple.
What happened during the previous violence in Sambhal?
Last year, violence erupted during an Archaeological Survey of India survey at the mosque, resulting in five deaths and several injuries.
