Samajwadi Party Delegation Visits Families of Sambhal Violence Victims, Offers Rs 5 Lakh Support

Sambhal, Dec 30 (NationPress) An eleven-member delegation from the Samajwadi Party (SP) arrived in Sambhal on Monday to console the families of the victims who lost their lives in the recent violence. The delegation conveyed their sympathies and offered financial support of Rs 5 lakh to the bereaved families through cheques.

During a press conference, Mata Prasad Pandey, the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for its lack of sensitivity towards the Muslim community. He stated, "This government shows no compassion for Muslims. Their agenda is to create divisions among people based on religion, inciting conflict between Hindus and Muslims for political gain," he alleged.

Pandey raised concerns over the establishment of a police post near the Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid, questioning the legality of the authorities occupying private land without proper investigation or compensation. "The police cannot arbitrarily create a post on private property. If they require land, they must either compensate the owner or utilize government land for construction," he asserted.

He also questioned the legality of constructing a police post given the mosque's heritage status under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Pandey argued, "The mosque is protected by the ASI. If construction is prohibited near it, how can the police justify their actions?"

Accusing the Uttar Pradesh government of electoral misconduct, Pandey claimed he possessed evidence of voter intimidation during the bye-elections held on November 20. "Police officers were deployed to intimidate voters, discouraging them from exercising their right to vote. I have documentation from the polling day to substantiate this," he stated.

He further criticized the deteriorating law and order situation in Gorakhpur, the Chief Minister's hometown. "Despite Yogi Adityanath being from Gorakhpur, the city experiences daily incidents of violence. Unemployment and inflation are escalating uncontrollably. Instead of addressing these critical issues, the government is engaged in distracting the public with false narratives," Pandey remarked.

Ziaur Rahman Barq, Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, echoed similar sentiments, accusing the police of acting without justification. "Did the police uncover any evidence of firearms among the individuals? If our intent was to provoke violence, why were there no riots on the first day of the survey?" he questioned, expressing confidence in the judicial system, stating, "Justice will prevail."

Barq also claimed he was being personally targeted, alleging that a false case of electricity theft was filed against him to silence his voice.

Lal Bihari Yadav, another SP leader in the delegation, criticized the police's response to the violence. "The police harassed people without cause, yet why have they not filed a case regarding the murders of the five victims?" he asked.

Yadav defended the actions of the local Muslim community, asserting, "The stones and bricks thrown were acts of self-defense."

The SP delegation’s visit occurs amidst escalating tensions in Sambhal, with accusations of administrative bias and communal strife coming to the forefront.

The violence in Sambhal erupted on November 24 when a team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) arrived to inspect a Mughal-era mosque. Five individuals were killed, and several others injured during the violence and subsequent police actions. Authorities have reported that around 50 individuals have been arrested in connection with the unrest.