Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi plan to visit Sambhal today amid no entry for ‘outsiders’ after mosque survey violence
Rahul Gandhi and five UP Congress MPs will attempt to visit violence-hit Sambhal despite administration’s ban on ‘outsiders’ entering the district.
Leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, newly elected Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, and other MPs will attempt to visit Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal on Wednesday, days after violence that killed four persons. Their visit comes despite restrictions imposed by the district administration until December 10, following last month’s violence sparked by a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid after a petition claimed the site previously housed a Harihar temple.
Sambhal district magistrate Rajendra Pensiya on Tuesday requested officials from neighbouring districts, including Bulandshahr, Amroha, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar, to prevent Rahul Gandhi from entering Sambhal by stopping him at their district borders.
The Sambhal DM addressed letters to the police commissioners of Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad, as well as the superintendents of police in Amroha and Bulandshahr.
“On November 24, a remaining survey was conducted, following which members of the Muslim community staged massive protests involving gunfire, stone-pelting, and arson. As a result, the situation in Sambhal district has become extremely sensitive. Until December 10, the entry of any external individuals, social organisations, or public representatives into Sambhal district is restricted without prior approval from the competent authority. Prohibitory orders have been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023,” stated the DM.
Meanwhile, Congress general secretary and Uttar Pradesh in-charge Avinash Pande called for public support for Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Sambhal.
In a post on X, Pande wrote, “A Congress delegation led by Mr. @RahulGandhi ji will leave for Sambhal by road from Delhi tomorrow to meet the families of victims of Sambhal violence. To support them in this struggle, I will gather at Ghazipur border with the Congress delegation and leave for Sambhal. All of you are appealed to reach Ghazipur border in large numbers with your supporters and give your invaluable contribution in this struggle. Your support is needed in the fight for democracy and justice.”
