A delegation from the Congress Party, led by Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai, is scheduled to visit the violence-affected Sambhal district today, despite receiving a notice from the Lucknow Police urging him to postpone the visit. The police warned that his visit could lead to unrest in the already tense region, which has been on high alert following violent clashes. However, Rai has expressed his intention to visit peacefully and assured that he does not want to cause any disruption.
The notice, issued to Ajay Rai earlier this morning, stated that due to concerns over communal sensitivity and the overall peace in Sambhal district, the Congress leader should cancel his planned visit. The notice referenced a directive from the District Magistrate of Sambhal, which imposed restrictions on outsiders, including social organizations and public representatives, from entering the district without the necessary permissions from the authorities. “The visit of Rai with the Congress delegation on December 2, 2024, is not appropriate from the point of view of peace and order,” the notice stated.
Ajay Rai, however, is undeterred by the police warning. In response to the notice, he said, “They have issued me a notice saying my visit will cause chaos. Certainly, we do not want chaos but peace to prevail. The atrocity and injustice done by the police and the government must be highlighted.” Rai emphasized that his visit would be conducted in a peaceful manner, adding that he wanted to bring attention to the wrongdoings in the region and inform his leadership of the situation in Sambhal.
The Congress team’s visit follows a stone-pelting incident in Sambhal on November 24, which led to increased security measures in the region. The incident was part of broader tensions that have gripped the district since November 19, when a local court ordered a survey of the Jama Masjid. The court order sparked violent clashes between protestors and the police, resulting in four deaths.
On Sunday, a three-member judicial committee, accompanied by security personnel, conducted an inspection of the Shahi Masjid area in Sambhal. The committee spoke with local residents and officials to assess the situation. Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh stated that the situation in Sambhal is currently peaceful, with authorities closely monitoring developments.
Tensions remain high in the region, and the Congress Party’s planned visit comes at a time when the authorities are on high alert in a bid to prevent any further violence.
