The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has filed a response in court seeking control and management of the historic Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, citing its status as a protected heritage structure. This comes after the court allowed a survey of the mosque, which has sparked controversy and local protests.
ASI’s lawyer, Vishnu Sharma, stated that the agency’s counterarguments highlighted resistance from the mosque’s management committee and locals during attempts to conduct surveys, as reported by PTI. The ASI also referenced an incident from January 19, 2018, when an FIR was filed against the mosque’s management for installing steel railings on the mosque’s steps without proper authorization.
Designated as an ASI-protected monument since 1920, the mosque falls under the agency’s jurisdiction. Sharma emphasized that public access to the site should align with ASI regulations and that all control, management, and structural modifications of the monument must remain with the ASI to ensure compliance with heritage protection laws.
The agency expressed concerns about unauthorized changes made by the mosque’s management committee, arguing that such actions are unlawful and should be curtailed.
Violence During Mosque Survey
The situation escalated on November 24 when at least six Muslim youths were reportedly killed during protests against the mosque survey. The protests were fueled by the presence of a Hindutva group accompanying the survey team.
Families and mosque authorities claim the youths were killed in police firing. However, District Magistrate Chirag Goyal contested these claims, stating that the deaths were caused by gunfire from fellow protesters.
The incident has intensified tensions in the region, raising questions about the handling of heritage sites and the rights of local communities in preserving and managing religious monuments.
