On November 24, 2024, violence erupted during a court-ordered Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the 500-year-old Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The mosque, protected by the ASI as a heritage site, became the center of controversy following claims that it was constructed on the ruins of a Hindu temple allegedly demolished during the Mughal period. The survey, framed as a historical investigation, was seen by many as part of a broader campaign targeting minority places of worship.

The Trigger

The first survey of the mosque had proceeded without incident, but tensions escalated during the second survey. Controversy arose when the mosque's wuzu khana (ablution tank), used by worshippers for ritual washing before prayers, was drained. Officials claimed this was necessary to check the tank's depth, but the act sparked rumors that the mosque was being physically excavated.

The situation quickly grew volatile. Members of the mosque's management committee, including its President, attempted to calm the crowd, reassuring them that the structure was not being damaged. While some community members were reassured and left the site, others remained unconvinced and increasingly agitated.

The Violence

As tensions reached a boiling point, clashes broke out between the crowd and law enforcement. The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of five Muslim individuals. Scores of others were injured, including around 20 security personnel. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene where misinformation, communal distrust, and a lack of effective conflict management led to violence.

The Aftermath

The events at Sambhal are a stark reminder of the volatile consequences of such surveys in a deeply polarized environment. The draining of the wuzu khana was seen not only as a disruption of a sacred practice but also as a symbolic act of disrespect toward the mosque and the community it serves. For many, the survey was perceived as less about uncovering historical truths and more about creating a pretext for delegitimizing a place of worship integral to the local Muslim community.

This incident highlights the need for transparency, sensitivity, and inclusivity in handling heritage and religious disputes. Without these, such actions risk deepening communal divides and undermining India's pluralistic ethos.

A Pattern of Intimidation: Other Incidents Targeting Minority Places of Worship

The tragic events in Sambhal are part of a larger, deeply troubling trend in India, where places of worship belonging to minority communities—particularly Muslims and Christians—are systematically targeted. These incidents are not isolated but represent a broader strategy aimed at undermining India’s secular ethos and furthering the agenda of Hindu nationalism.

Other Notable Incidents

1. Gyanvapi Mosque, Varanasi (2022–Present)
   The Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi has been embroiled in legal and political controversy, with claims that it was built on the ruins of a Hindu temple. During a survey, officials claimed to have discovered a "shivling" in the mosque’s ablution tank, sparking demands to ban Muslim worship at the site. The case remains in court, but the surrounding communal tension has resulted in protests, heightened security, and widespread fear among the local Muslim population.

2. Babri Masjid, Ayodhya (1992)
   The demolition of the Babri Masjid by a mob claiming it was built on the birthplace of Lord Ram marked a pivotal moment in India’s communal history. The destruction, followed by nationwide riots that left over 2,000 people dead (mostly Muslims), set a precedent for the targeting of minority religious sites. The subsequent construction of the Ram Mandir on the site has further polarized communities.

3. Bogura Church, West Bengal (2023)
   A historic Christian church in West Bengal was attacked by a mob alleging that it was built on land "wrongfully taken" from Hindus. Despite the church’s well-documented history, right-wing groups used false narratives to justify the violence, leading to the destruction of property and injuries to congregants.

4. St. Michael’s Church, Karnataka (2024)
   Vandals attacked St. Michael’s Church, accusing it of being a relic of colonial-era forced conversions. Social media played a key role in amplifying these baseless claims, stoking tensions and resulting in arson and desecration of the site.

5. Haji Pir Mosque, Gujarat (2023)
   A mosque in Gujarat was vandalized following rumors that it was constructed over an ancient Hindu temple. The attackers, emboldened by political rhetoric, destroyed religious texts and damaged the structure, leaving the local Muslim community in fear.

A Broader Project of Persecution

These incidents are part of a systematic effort to intimidate and marginalize minority communities. Surveys and legal challenges to places of worship are weaponized to serve the broader goals of the Hindu nationalist project, which seeks to redefine India as a Hindu state rather than a secular republic.

• Legitimizing Intolerance
  Surveys, court orders, and archaeological investigations are framed as efforts to reclaim "lost heritage." In reality, they create a pretext for targeting minority communities, portraying them as interlopers on a Hindu cultural landscape.

• Eroding Pluralism
  By challenging the legitimacy of mosques, churches, and other non-Hindu places of worship, these actions attempt to rewrite India’s pluralistic history, erasing the contributions and heritage of minority communities.

• Political Mobilization
  These campaigns are often timed with elections or major political events, serving as rallying points for Hindu nationalist groups. The targeting of religious sites galvanizes support among right-wing constituencies, deepening communal divides.

• Legal and Bureaucratic Harassment
  The judicial and administrative systems are increasingly used to pursue cases against minority communities, creating an environment of constant vigilance and fear.

Implications for Minority Communities

The repeated targeting of places of worship has far-reaching consequences:

• Fear and Displacement: Communities living near contested sites often face threats, forcing many to flee their homes.

• Cultural Erasure: Destroying or delegitimizing places of worship erases the cultural and spiritual contributions of minority communities.

• Communal Violence: These incidents often escalate into riots, leading to loss of life and property.

The Role of Hindu Nationalism

At the heart of these actions is the Hindutva ideology, which envisions India as a Hindu nation where minorities are expected to assimilate or accept second-class status. This vision:

• Frames religious minorities as "outsiders" and their places of worship as symbols of "occupation."

• Leverages historical grievances to justify contemporary violence and discrimination.

• Exploits the state apparatus to legitimize actions that undermine secularism and equal citizenship.

What Can We Do

The targeting of places of worship, as seen in Sambhal and other cases, is a direct assault on India’s secular and pluralistic foundation. Addressing this trend requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Legal Protections: Strengthening laws to safeguard religious sites and ensuring impartial judicial processes.

• Civil Society Mobilization: Building solidarity across communities to resist the politics of division.

• Historical Accountability: Promoting a nuanced understanding of history that celebrates India’s diversity rather than using it as a weapon.