UP News: The Uttar Pradesh Congress was forced to call off its planned march to Sambhal on Monday following a tense standoff with police outside the party office in Lucknow. The Congress delegation, led by state party chief Ajay Rai, had intended to visit Sambhal to assess the situation after the deadly violence on November 24, but the police blockade prevented them from departing.Police Blockade and Protests at Congress OfficeAs security personnel stopped Rais car at the entrance of the Congress office in Lucknow, chaos erupted outside. Party workers raised slogans and protested the police obstruction, while Rai and other leaders sat down in defiance, staging a protest. Rai accused the authorities of obstructing their efforts to investigate the violence in Sambhal. The police have informed us about restrictions on the entry of outsiders until December 10. They will notify us when the restrictions are lifted, and we will go to Sambhal the moment we receive that information, Rai stated.#WATCH | Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai and other party leaders hold a protest and raise slogans outside the Party Office in Lucknow as Police stopped them from visiting violence-hit Sambhal. pic.twitter.com/g65rloTdnN— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2024Postponing the March Despite DefianceEarlier in the day, Rai had vowed to defy the police order and proceed with the visit despite heavy security measures. The police had issued a notice to Rai, warning him of potential law and order issues if he went ahead with the march. However, Rai insisted that the delegations visit was crucial to understand the situation in Sambhal and the alleged atrocities committed by the police and the government. He criticized the extension of the ban on outsiders entering the district until December 10, accusing the BJP-led government of trying to obstruct their fact-finding mission.Congress Leaders Criticize Police ActionsCongress leader Aradhana Mishra decried the polices actions as total anarchy after reports emerged that security forces had also been deployed outside her residence in Lucknow. Aradhana Mishra described the situation, stating that the people of the state deserve to know the truth. She questioned whether it could be considered law and order when a person is prevented from leaving their residence.The tense situation outside the Congress office highlighted the growing frustration among opposition leaders who felt their access to the district was being unjustly blocked.Samajwadi Party Joins Criticism of Yogi GovernmentThe Congress leaders were not alone in their criticism. Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav also condemned the Uttar Pradesh governments decision to prevent outsiders from visiting Sambhal. He accused the BJP of attempting to cover up their wrongdoings, stating, “They (BJP) dont want to let anyone go there. Those who commit sins always try to hide it.”Sambhal Violence and Police Brutality AllegationsTensions in Sambhal have been high since a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid on November 19, which was prompted by claims that it was originally a Hindu temple. The subsequent clashes between protesters and police on November 24 resulted in four deaths. In response, a three-member judicial committee visited Sambhal on Sunday to inspect the site and gather statements from local residents and officials. Despite these efforts, opposition leaders remain determined to uncover the truth behind the violence and police actions in the region.Ongoing Struggle for TransparencyThe Congress partys attempt to visit Sambhal underscores the ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability regarding the events of November 24. As the police continue to impose restrictions, opposition leaders are calling for a thorough investigation into the causes of the violence, the role of the police, and the broader implications of the incident on law and order in the state.
