Archive · 18 Nov 2025
Sambhal Padyatra: Mosque Committee Objects, Administration Deliberates
A group wants to walk around a disputed religious site in Sambhal, UP.
The mosque committee says this might cause trouble, but the group says they'll be peaceful.
The local government is thinking about whether to allow it or not.
A 'Harihar Mandir Padyatra' is planned on November 19 by Harihar Sena around the disputed Shahi Jama Masjid-Harihar temple site in Sambhal, UP
The mosque committee opposes the march, citing potential disturbance to communal harmony and the ongoing court case
The administration is yet to decide on granting permission, with the District Magistrate set to review the issue on November 19
The padyatra route covers a 2.5-km circumambulation around the disputed complex, starting at 10 am
Section 163 BNSS is currently in force in Sambhal, with security arrangements strengthened
- Who
- Harihar Sena, a group led by Rishi Raj Giri, and Shahi Jama Masjid committee led by Zafar Ali
- What
- A planned march (padyatra) around the disputed Shahi Jama Masjid-Harihar temple site
- When
- November 19, 2022
- Where
- Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- To symbolically assert the religious significance of the site (according to Harihar Sena), and to oppose the march (according to the mosque committee)
Mosque Committee's Stance
Harihar Sena's Stance
Permission for March
Mosque Committee's Stance
Opposes, citing potential disturbance to communal harmony
Harihar Sena's Stance
Seeks permission, claims march will be peaceful
- Dispute History
- The dispute is ongoing in the Supreme Court and a district court, with violence erupting on November 24, 2021
- Padyatra Route
- A 2.5-km circumambulation route via Sagarpur, Sakarapur, Khirni, and Motinagar