In 1978, a tragic and horrifying incident unfolded in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, during the festival of Holi. This event not only reflects the failure of the government and administration at the time but also serves as a crucial lesson about the importance of leadership, unity, and justice.
The Spark of Violence:
An unfounded rumor was spread that a non-Hindu youth had been burned alive in the Holika Dahan. This rumor incited chaos, and soon, Sambhal was engulfed in violent riots. The aftermath was catastrophic for the Hindu community:
1.138 Hindus were brutally murdered.
2. Judicial Commission Report: The inquiry report clearly stated that the government and administration deliberately failed to control the riots.
3. A house sheltering 32 Hindus was targeted, and all of them were burned alive using petrol, tar, and wood thrown inside.
The Devastation:
- Cultural Destruction: Over four temples were destroyed.
2. Atrocities on Women: At least 12 women were reported to have been raped.
3.Forced Exodus: Influential figures like Badruddin Bukhari (Bark) openly threatened Hindus, saying, “Leave Sambhal, or you will be slaughtered.” Within days, Sambhal became completely devoid of Hindus.
The Role of the Congress Government:
The judicial inquiry and media reports revealed a deliberate inaction by the Congress government of the time.
Sambhal’s Jama Masjid-Harihar Mandir dispute:
Prior to the riots, Hindus were allowed to worship in a section of the temple.
After the riots, the Congress government barred Hindu entry into the temple entirely, handing over the entire Harihar Mandir premises to the Muslim community.
This was a direct result of a government that prioritized appeasement over justice, leading to the systemic displacement of Hindus from their ancestral land.
A Stark Contrast: Then vs. Now
In 1978, Hindus made up 70% of Sambhal’s population, while Muslims were 30%. Yet, under a biased government, the 30% managed to overpower and expel the 70% through violence and terror.
Today, the demographics have reversed, with Hindus at 30% and Muslims at 70%.
However, the tide has turned because Uttar Pradesh now has a strong and fair leadership under Yogi Adityanath.
Hindus are boldly reclaiming their temples and asserting their rights, proving that governance rooted in justice and equality can restore balance.
Key Takeaways for the Youth:
1.Leadership Matters: A government that stands for justice can transform despair into hope.
2.Unity is Strength: Despite challenges, collective will and determination can reclaim what is rightfully ours.
3.Learn from History: Sambhal serves as a reminder of what can happen when we are divided or fail to stand up against injustice.
A Call to Reflect:
Imagine the plight of those Hindus who lost their homes, temples, and loved ones simply because of a biased system. And now, think of how one strong government has given them the courage to reclaim their heritage.
The lesson is clear: Leadership and unity can protect the future of any community. Let us honor the sacrifices of the past by staying informed, united, and vigilant.
Jai Hind. Jai Uttar Pradesh.
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