The judicial commission formed to investigate the communal violence in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh in November 2024 has recently submitted its 450-page report to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This report is not merely a narration of one riot’s incidents; it is a crucial document highlighting 75 years of demographic changes and communal transformation in Sambhal.
The most startling revelation is that while Hindus once made up about 45 per cent of the population at the time of Independence, their numbers have now dwindled to just 15–20 per cent. In contrast, the Muslim population has risen to nearly 85 per cent.
Historical Background: Sambhal’s Identity and Struggles
Sambhal’s history is deeply rooted in rich cultural and religious heritage. It was once known as a center of ancient Hindu worship, particularly around the revered Harihar Temple.
From the Mughal period to modern India, Sambhal has always been a witness to coexistence as well as conflict. After 1947, it was expected that democracy would foster equality and harmony, but the report reveals that recurring riots and appeasement politics drove the city toward one-sided demographic change.
From Independence to Present: The Shifting Population Balance
According to the report, before 1947 the Hindu-Muslim ratio in Sambhal was roughly 45:55.
Over seven decades:
- The Hindu population steadily declined.
- The Muslim population increased sharply.
Today, Hindus are confined to just 15–20 per cent of the population. The report does not consider this merely the result of natural growth rates; instead, it attributes the shift to systematic pressure, fear, and violence.
- A Cycle of Riots: 1947 to 2019: The judicial report records over 15 major riots in Sambhal between 1947 and 2019.
- Each riot followed a similar pattern: Disputes over religious sites; Minor incidents deliberately escalated into large-scale violence.
- Administrative inaction and appeasement.
These recurring riots consistently pushed the Hindu community into a state of insecurity, eventually resulting in migration and exodus.
Appeasement Politics and Its Consequences
The report suggests that Sambhal’s demographic transformation is not solely due to social circumstances but also the result of decades of appeasement politics.
- Certain groups were protected for electoral gain.
- Genuine culprits in communal violence often escaped punishment.
- Unequal distribution of welfare schemes and resources.
- Such practices laid the foundation for fear and imbalance within society.
- Decline of the Hindu Population: Psychological and Social Impact
- The shrinking Hindu population is not just a statistic; it carries a deep psychological and social message.
- Mass migration of Hindu families.
- Shrinking of religious festivals.
- Decline of temples and cultural institutions.
- Reduced opportunities in education and employment for Hindu children.
All these factors created an atmosphere of fear, insecurity, and inferiority, weakening the social fabric.
A Hub of Terrorist Activities: Sambhal’s International Links
- The report also notes that Sambhal gradually became a hub for terrorist activities.
- Organisations like Al-Qaeda and Harakat-ul-Mujahideen were reported to be active.
- Foreign-manufactured weapons were used during riots.
- Radical groups succeeded in recruiting local youth.
This shows that the transformation in Sambhal was not just a product of local politics but also linked to international extremist networks.
Harihar Temple and Cultural Heritage
The report makes specific reference to the historical Harihar Temple. The existence of such ancient temples proves that Sambhal was once a prominent Hindu religious-cultural center.
But over time:
- Temples were eroded or encroached upon.
- Hindu religious identity was systematically weakened.
This represents not only religious imbalance but also the destruction of cultural heritage.
Challenges Before the Government: The Road Ahead
With the report now in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s hands, the government faces several pressing challenges:
Presentation before Cabinet and Assembly – making the report public.
- Strict action against culprits – whether political or administrative.
- Preventing Hindu migration – by restoring security, jobs, and trust.
- Preservation of cultural heritage – revival of temples and historical institutions.
- Strengthening law and order – to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
A Warning for the Future
The Sambhal riot judicial report is not just about one district; it is a warning document for all of India.
If demographic imbalance and appeasement politics are not addressed, the consequences will not remain confined to Sambhal but will threaten national unity and cultural identity.
It is therefore essential that the government does not let this report gather dust in files but takes concrete and practical measures to ensure equality, security, and harmony in society.
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