On March 17, the Sambhal administration firmly denied permission for any event that glorifies historical invaders. Assistant Superintendent of Police Shirish Chandra announced that the annual Neja Mela, traditionally held in Sambhal to honour Syed Salar Masud Ghazi, would not be allowed, as he was considered an invader.
सम्भल: क्रूर आक्रांता सैयद सालार मसूद गाजी के नाम पर हर वर्ष लगने वाले नेजा मेला की पुलिस ने नहीं दी इजाजत.
ASP बोले: कोई कुरीति सालों से चली आ रही है तो उसे बदलने की जरूरत है. गजनवी के भांजे मसूद गाज़ी ने भारत में क्रूरता की थी, ऐसे लुटेरे-हत्यारे की याद में नहीं होगा कोई मेला. pic.twitter.com/Q0ccGY5gQZ
— Shivam Pratap Singh (@journalistspsc) March 17, 2025
The event, held annually after Holi, had previously faced objections from members of the Hindu community, who had raised their concerns with the police administration. In response, the authorities stated that Salar Masud Ghazi had caused harm to the nation and, therefore, it would be inappropriate to honour him through such events.
Sambhal ASP Shirish Chandra Stands Firm: ‘No festival for looters’
A video of Sambhal Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shirish Chandra went viral on social media, where he was seen engaging with Muslim community members who had approached him for permission to hold the annual event. During the conversation, ASP Chandra clarified that the administration would not permit any festival glorifying an invader.
In his statement, ASP Chandra emphasised that individuals who had historically plundered places like Somnath should not be celebrated. He firmly stated, “No memorial will be erected in the name of a looter. If anyone attempts to do so, strict action will be taken.” The ASP further clarified that supporting such figures or their celebration equates to supporting treason, asserting, “Anyone who backs those who committed crimes against the nation is no different from a traitor.” He pointed out that celebrating such figures was a practice based on ignorance, but warned that any conscious attempt to continue such traditions now would be driven by malicious intent. He concluded, “If anyone insists on continuing this knowingly, they are doing so with harmful intentions.”
Ghazi Salar Masud: The Islamic Invader
Ghazi Salar Masud, often referred to as the nephew of the notorious invader Mahmud of Ghazni, is eulogised by some as a “martyr” who fought against the “kafirs.” However, historical accounts paint a different picture of Masud as a fanatic warrior who, under the tutelage of his uncle, took pleasure in the widespread slaughter of Hindus.
During the 11th century, Salar Masud carried out brutal massacres and forced conversions of Hindus across the regions he invaded. He was also responsible for the plunder and destruction of Hindu temples and Mathas, including the sacred Suraj Kund at Bahraich. His campaigns spanned multiple parts of India, until his advances were halted by Raja Suheldev at the Battle of Bahraich in 1034 CE.
