ASI Begins Whitewashing Shahi Jama Masjid In Sambhal After High Court Order

The whitewashing of the outer wall of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, commenced following a directive from the Allahabad High Court. The court had instructed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to complete the process within a week. The move comes months after violent clashes erupted in November during a survey of the historic mosque, leading to the deaths of four people and injuring several others, including police personnel.

On March 12, the Allahabad High Court ordered the ASI to carry out the whitewashing work at the mosque. In response, an ASI team visited the site on March 13 to take measurements and assess the requirements for the task. By Sunday morning, the process of whitewashing the outer wall was officially underway.

Advocate Shakeel Warsi, representing the mosque's side in the Sambhal district court, confirmed the development. "The whitewashing of the outer wall of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal began on Sunday," he stated.

The mosque, a Mughal-era structure, has been at the center of tensions since the ASI conducted a survey on November 24, 2023. The survey led to large-scale riots in the area, resulting in loss of lives and widespread injuries.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure peace in the region. The ASI is expected to complete the whitewashing work within the timeframe set by the court. Meanwhile, security measures remain in place to prevent any further unrest related to the ongoing developments at the site.