Schools, shops reopen in Sambhal, UP: Normalcy returns after 2 days

New Delhi: With the reopening of schools, normalcy started returning to Sambhal, two days after violence broke out during a court-ordered survey of a mosque on Tuesday. While internet services continue to remain suspended in the district, several shops selling essential items resumed operations.Security forces continue to keep a close vigil on the sensitive areas of Sambhal town.

The restrictions, which the authorities concerned have imposed on the entry of outsiders and public representatives into Sambhal, continue to remain in place. Even as there were signs of a quick return of normalcy to Sambhal's major parts, the areas, including lanes and by-lanes close to the Shahi Jama Masjid, remained deserted.

DIG Muniraj G said there were no untoward reports on Tuesday. He added that the number of arrested persons stood at 25 while investigation is on to identify the violence suspects. At a press conference in Lucknow, SP's senior leader Mata Prasad Pandey said his party will raise the Sambhal and Bahracich incidents in the state assembly. He also said that an SP delegation wanted to go to Sambhal but the police have not given permission to them.


He claimed that police has falsely named SP MP Zia Ur Rahman Barq in the FIR. Tension has been brewing in Sambhal since November 19 when the court-ordered survey of the mosque was conducted first.

In a petition filed in a local court, it is claimed that a temple had stood at the site. The mosque is said to be 500 years old.