Sambhal Violence: ASI Affidavit Highlights Challenges In Inspecting Shahi Jama Masjid

The Archaeological Survey of India has outlined the challenges faced by it during the survey in the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.

The affidavit, filed by VS Rawat Superintending Archaeologist (Meerut Circle), accessed by iTV Network, details several modifications made to the mosque.

The mosque is an ASI-protected site where a Sambhal court had ordered a fresh survey which led to violent clash in the area.

The affidavit also emphasized on the issues related to the alterations made to the site over time.

The affidavit submits: ‘The said monument has been declared protected in the year 1920. As per the Provisions of Section 18 of the Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 the monument should be accessable to public.

It reads: ‘ASI officials are being prevented to enter the said monument since the long period by the committee members hence present status of the monument is not known to ASI.’

ASI submits: ‘The situation is also very tough for ASI. Even officers of the ASI were not allowed to enter the monument for the purpose of inspection. However, ASI with the support from District Administration took up inspection of the monument time to time.’

The survey, conducted on November 19, led to widespread violence in Sambhal, resulting in the deaths of five people and injuries to 20 police officers.

ASI affidavit highlights challenges in inspecting Shahi Jama Masjid

(Inputs By Sambhav Sharma)

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