Sambhal – News Analysis India

Deputy CM Brijesh Pathak Discusses Sambhal Report, Citing Nehru’s Involvement and Accusing Previous Governments

News Analysis India — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak held a press conference to address the judicial commission’s report on the Sambhal violence. He stated that the report has been submitted to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and will be made public after being reviewed by the cabinet. Pathak highlighted concerns about demographic changes in the state, particularly in border areas, attributing these efforts to organized groups and foreign influences. He mentioned that even in 1924, following riots, Jawaharlal Nehru was sent by Gandhi to investigate Sambhal, resulting in a 12-page report detailing the attacks on Hindus by Muslim rioters. Pathak criticized the previous governments, specifically the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, for failing to prevent the exodus of Hindus from Sambhal.

Ramayan Path to be organised on Ashtami and Navami in 58 Dev Tirths of Sambhal, says DM

News Analysis India — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sambhal District Magistrate (DM) Rajinder Pensiya on Saturday informed that ‘Ramcharitmanas’ and ‘Ramayana’ recitations will be held during Ashtami and Navami of the Chaitra Navratri.

Speaking to ANI, Sambhal DM Rajinder Pensiya said, “In Sambhal, there are 87 Dev Tirths, out of which 58 have been found. Those which are found – at every Dev Tirths, ‘Ramcharitmanas & Ramayan paath’ will be organized on Ashtami and Navami in which common people and all other committees and NGOs will participate…”

In all identified, 58 Dev Tirths sites, ‘Ramcharitmanas’ and ‘Ramayana’ recitations will be held on Ashtami and Navami. The local community, along with various NGOs and committees, will participate in these events. The administration is also ensuring that necessary facilities like sanitation, drinking water, and electricity are available during these programs.Today is the Ashtami of Chaitra Navratri. According to Hindu mythology, the eighth day is dedicated to Mahagauri, who attained “Gaur Varna” by rigorous penance. The name ‘Mahagauri’ means extremely bright. She mounts the ox.

The nine-day festival, also known as Ram Navratri, concludes on Ram Navami, Lord Ram’s birthday. Throughout the festival, all nine days are devoted to honoring the nine incarnations of the goddess Shakti.

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Earlier on Friday, the Sambhal district administration reported a peaceful atmosphere following the conclusion of Friday prayers.Speaking to ANI, District Magistrate (DM) Rajinder Pensiya said, “The atmosphere is peaceful, and there has been no activity to cause unrest… Through peace committee meetings and one-to-one interactions and conversations, we have the cooperation of everyone. We hope this peace prevails in the future also.”In a bid to maintain law and order, the local administration had put in place several security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of prayers and prevent any disturbances. Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) KK Bishnoi confirmed that the Friday prayers took place peacefully across the district.

‘We will not run, we are not cowards’: AIMIM chief Assadudin Owaisi questions calls for Muslims to stay indoors during Holi

News Analysis India — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

AIMIM chief Assadudin Owaisi on Friday criticized calls for Muslims to stay indoors or cover themselves during Holi, asserting the community’s strength by saying, “We will not run, we are not cowards.”

“Some say if you’re so scared, you should not offer namaz and stay indoors. They say just like we have covered our mosques, we must cover ourselves also, or else stay indoors,” Owaisi said while addressing a gathering at Chowk-e-Masjid in Telangana’s Hyderabad.

His remarks were in response to statements by some officials advising Muslims to remain indoors if they did not want to be colored during Holi.In Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal, Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary had on March 6 suggested that those uncomfortable with colours should stay inside, a comment later backed by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Several mosques in Uttar Pradesh were covered with tarpaulin on orders from the local administration to prevent any untoward incidents during Holi celebrations.

“Those who migrated to Pakistan were cowards. We will not run, we are not cowards. A Chief Minister said Jumma namaz can be offered at home as well… Who is he to tell us what we can and cannot do?” Owaisi added.

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This year, Holi coincided with the second Jumma namaz (Friday prayers) of Ramzan on March 14. Security forces conducted flag marches and set up checkpoints to ensure peaceful celebrations across several states. In UP’s Sambhal, Holi festivities and prayers were observed peacefully under tight security. Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra praised the cooperation among communities, saying that peaceful celebrations “sent a strong message of harmony.”District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia also spoke about the cooperation of people in Sambhal, which was affected by violence in November last year.

“All are happy, and they are playing Holi by applying colours to one another. We are getting cooperation from everyone,” the District Magistrate said.

Circle Officer Anuj Chowdhary led a flag march along with other police personnel to ensure the law and order situation in the district.

Circle officer Chaudhary said the police monitored the situation through foot patrolling and drone surveillance.”We are conducting foot-patrolling and drone surveillance”, he told on Friday.

Other than police, paramilitary forces also conducted a flag march in Sambhal, whereas the administration used drones to monitor the situation in the district properly. Earlier, Sambhal MP Zia ur Rehman Barq urged people of all communities to maintain peace and harmony ahead of the Jumma and Holi celebrations.