Violence Erupts Over Mosque Survey in India

Violent clashes erupted in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, over a court-ordered survey to investigate claims that the Shahi Jama Masjid mosque was built on a Hindu temple site, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, all reportedly Muslim. The unrest has led authorities to close schools, suspend internet services, and impose restrictions on public gatherings and outsiders entering the city. Police have made numerous arrests, including that of a local MP accused of inciting the violence, which has been attributed to rising tensions between Hindu nationalist groups and the Muslim community. Protesters faced police resistance during the survey, which sparked accusations of police brutality and bias against Muslims. The situation reflects the ongoing communal tensions in India regarding historical claims on religious sites, particularly those linked to the Mughal era. As the government seeks to restore order, human rights organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of the Muslim community amid the unrest.