Amid the ongoing Sambhal mosque controversy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commented on Wednesday, stating that forcibly imposing someone’s faith and disregarding their beliefs is “unacceptable.” He emphasized that this issue is particularly sensitive given the historical significance of Sambhal, which predates the arrival of Islam. Adityanath highlighted that Sambhal has been referenced in scriptures that are over 5,000 years old, mentioning Lord Vishnu’s future incarnation. He noted that Islam, which emerged only 1,400 years ago, came long after the region’s ancient history.
The Chief Minister pointed out that evidence of these historical facts has existed for centuries. He recalled that in 1526, a Vishnu temple in Sambhal was demolished, a fact that is significant in the context of the ongoing dispute. Two years later, in 1528, the Ram temple in Ayodhya was also destroyed. Adityanath connected these events, suggesting both acts were carried out by the same individual.
The controversy has intensified since November, when a court-ordered survey of a mosque in Sambhal suggested it might be the site of a demolished temple. This sparked tensions and discussions about the region’s religious history. Adityanath made these remarks during an event called ‘Manthan: Kumbh and Beyond’ in Lucknow, organized by the RSS-linked weekly Organiser, further fueling the ongoing debate over religious sites in India.
