Ban on arrival of outsiders till Dec 10, says UP as Rahul prepares to visit Sambhal

NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh administration has imposed restrictions on the entry of outsiders into violence-hit Sambhal until December 10, with officials urging leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi to reconsider his planned visit scheduled on Wednesday. Moradabad divisional commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said that there a need for calm in the region, and that "any provocation could escalate the situation" in the district.

"The situation in Sambhal is normal right now, but tensions persist," Singh said. "The District Magistrate has banned the entry of people from outside until 10 December to prevent any provocation that could escalate the situation. We are requesting everyone, including the Leader of Opposition, to avoid visiting Sambhal for now so that peace can be fully restored," the Moradabad divisional commissioner added.

Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by five Congress MPs, is scheduled to visit the district to meet victims of the violence that erupted on 24 November during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of a Mughal-era mosque. The clashes left five dead and over 20 police personnel injured. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai suggested that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra might also join the visit.

Also read: Rahul Gandhi, all UP Congress MPs to visit violence-hit Sambhal tomorrow

However, local authorities have expressed concerns about the impact of such visits. "While the situation is under control, tensions remain, and the presence of outsiders could provoke further disturbances. This decision was based on an assessment by the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police," Singh said.

The police have so far registered seven FIRs and arrested 30 individuals, including three women and three juveniles. The administration has also identified 74 suspects through video footage and eyewitness accounts.

Despite the administration’s warnings, Congress leaders have criticised the restrictions. "Police are stopping us from going to Sambhal. Isn’t it shameful that we cannot check on the victims?" Congress leader Sachin Chaudhary said.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders have called for an independent judicial probe. SP MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq demanded a commission led by a sitting Supreme Court judge, while SP chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the violence was a "pre-planned conspiracy aimed at disrupting brotherhood."