– Raheem Khan
Baran: The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) staged a protest at Anjuman Chowraha here against the violence that broke out during the survey of Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.
During the demonstration, Waseem Mansuri, a Baran Nagar Committee member, condemned the survey, calling it a blatant violation of the Places of Worship Act, 1991. He labelled the act unconstitutional and accused the government of leveraging the issue for political polarisation to divert attention from pressing State problems.
Maulana Salman, another committee member, blamed the administration for the violence and denounced the killing of a young man during the unrest. He alleged that innocent individuals were targeted and shot by authorities, demanding legal action against the police officers involved and financial compensation for the victims’ families.
Ahtashamuddin Siddiqui, president of Anjuman Ittehad-e-Bahmi, welcomed the Supreme Court’s verdict delivered on November 26, celebrated as Constitution Day. He criticised the Sangh Parivar’s attempts to alter the Constitution and emphasised its significance to the public.
The protest drew the participation of district president Abdul Aziz, along with several prominent figures, including Iftikhar Ahmed, Shahadat Hussain, Salamat Hussain, Alim Mansuri, Aslam Kalu (ward councillor), Gulsher Ahmed, Irshad Ahmed, Haji Abdul Wahid, and Qadir Mama. Hundreds of workers and community members also joined the event. The program was moderated by state treasurer Zakir Hussain Rangrez.
Key Highlights of the Protest:
- Protesters strongly denounced the unrest during the Shahi Jama Masjid survey.
- The survey was described as a clear breach of the 1991 Act.
- Protesters accused the administration of orchestrating the violence and demanded accountability.
- They called for action against implicated police officers and financial support for victims’ families.
- The gathering reaffirmed its commitment to the Constitution while criticizing efforts to undermine it.
