Congress Delegation to Address Sambhal Tensions

A Congress team led by Uttar Pradesh President Ajay Rai intends to visit Sambhal, where tensions erupted over a court-ordered mosque survey, leading to violence. The delegation aims to address concerns and highlight alleged government inaction. Previous efforts by the Samajwadi Party to visit were thwarted by authorities.

The Congress delegation, spearheaded by Uttar Pradesh's President Ajay Rai, is set to visit Sambhal on Monday following a stone-pelting incident on November 24. Party officials huddled at the Lucknow office to strategize, vowing to adopt Gandhian principles in their approach as they navigate increased security.

A three-member judicial committee also surveyed the Shahi Masjid area amid tight security, conversing with local residents and officials over the recent unrest. Notably, a Samajwadi Party delegation, led by Akhilesh Yadav, faced obstacles last month when attempting a similar visit to the afflicted district.

Tensions in Sambhal have been running high since a local court ordered a survey of the mosque on November 19, sparking deadly clashes that resulted in four fatalities. The survey was conducted after claims that the mosque's site was originally a Harihar temple, heightening communal sensitivities in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)