Four people were killed and dozens injured during clashes in the town of Sambhal in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This is reported by TASS in reference to the NDTV channel.
The city’s Internet service has been suspended and schools are closed. Entry is prohibited without special permission.
The unrest began after authorities decided to inspect the former Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid mosque. The aim of the inspection is to identify evidence that the mosque was allegedly built on the site of a demolished Hindu temple.
The lawyer representing the Hindu plaintiffs said the mosque site was once occupied by a temple of the deity Harihara, which was demolished on the orders of Mughal emperor Babur in 1529, after which a mosque was built on the site. of the temple. The Hindu community calls for the mosque to be destroyed and the temple to be restored.
This sparked resentment among the Muslim community, which forms the majority in Sambhal. Protesters set several cars on fire and threw stones and sticks at the police.
Law enforcement officers used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd. It is reported that around 20 police officers were injured during the riots and one of them is in serious condition. More than 20 people were arrested.
