Babri Masjid 2.0? 5Killed In UP Sambal After Court Rules Survey Of 16th Century Mosque Built By Babur
The legal dispute began with a petition filed by advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain, claiming the mosque was constructed on a Hari Har temple destroyed during Babur’s invasion
Petitioners cite historical texts like Baburnamah and demand unrestricted Hindu access, accusing authorities of neglecting the site under the 1958 Ancient Monuments Act
The mosque committee opposes the claims, citing the 1991 Places of Worship Act, which prohibits altering the status of religious sites post-1947
The controversy escalated on November 19, 2024, when a court-ordered survey commenced under heavy police presence, drawing criticism for judicial overreach
Protests intensified during a second survey on November 24, leading to violent clashes. Four people were killed, over 30 police personnel injured, and several vehicles torched
Authorities imposed prohibitory orders, suspended internet services, and deployed security forces to restore order
Advocate Jain reiterated the need for an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) investigation, while Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rehman Barq condemned the move as divisive
Critics argue such cases undermine the 1991 Act, risking communal harmony. Former CM Mayawati called for government accountability to prevent further unrest
The situation remains volatile, reflecting deep-seated tensions over India’s religious heritage