Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring temples in Sambhal, asserting that efforts are underway to reclaim and revive these sacred sites.
Speaking to ANI, Adityanath revealed that authorities have so far identified more than 54 pilgrimage sites in the city, with ongoing efforts to locate the remaining ones. He emphasized the significance of these places in preserving India’s cultural and religious heritage.
“We will uncover the truth and present it to the world. Those who have eyes will see what truly happened in Sambhal. Sambhal is a reality,” he stated.
On Mosques Built Over Hindu Temples
Addressing the issue of religious structures built over demolished Hindu temples, Adityanath questioned their legitimacy. “Islam itself states that places of worship constructed after destroying Hindu temples are not accepted by God. Then why were they built?” he asked.
Reiterating the government’s stance, he added, “These sacred sites are a part of our inheritance, and we will continue our efforts to restore them based on the evidence we find. We have already identified more than 54 locations and are working to uncover the rest.”
Scientific Evidence and Temple Restoration Efforts
The Chief Minister stressed that the restoration drive is backed by scientific evidence. “We are providing proof of these locations and will address them one by one,” he asserted.
When questioned about the ongoing Mathura mosque dispute, Adityanath responded, “We are following the court’s decision. Otherwise, who knows what the situation would have been by now?”
Condemning Historical Invaders
Referring to the Ghazi Salar Masood fair, previously held in Sambhal and Bahraich, Adityanath declared that there is no place for invaders in New India.
“Glorifying figures like Masood is an insult to our country. Such individuals should not be idolized, nor should their actions be celebrated. These invaders attacked India’s faith, dishonored Indian women, and looted the nation. Honoring them is an insult to the faith of Indians. No Indian will accept this,” he stated.
He further accused these historical figures of promoting forced religious conversions in India, emphasizing that their glorification dishonors the nation.
Sambhal recently witnessed unrest following a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid, which led to protests and clashes with the police.
In a recent development, the Uttar Pradesh Police detained Zafar Ali, the chief of the Jama Masjid Sadar and Shahi Mosque Committee, for questioning regarding the violence that erupted in Sambhal on November 24 last year.
Ali was taken to Chandausi for a medical examination under tight security. His detention followed allegations of his involvement in the unrest that broke out during the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid.
