The 1976 Sambhal Unrest: A Tragic Chapter of Communal Violence and Resistance

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 24th Dec. The 1976 Unrest and Its Impact: Sambhal, a district in Uttar Pradesh, remains scarred by its history of communal violence, most notably the riots of 1976. These tragic events saw the death of 209 Hindus, with the official report of the Sambhal district administration confirming the devastating toll. One of the most violent incidents occurred on February 29, 1976, when a rumor spread that a Hindu man, Rajkumar Saini from Pethia village, had murdered a Muslim cleric. In reality, the cleric’s death was the result of a personal conflict within the mosque committee. This misinformation sparked an eruption of violence that led to the deaths of at least five Hindus. The situation escalated rapidly, forcing the authorities to impose a seven-day curfew in a bid to regain control.

Temple Destruction and Hindus Defending Their Rights
The violence that followed was fueled by more than just rumors. A Muslim mob, led by figures such as Manjar Shafi and Attaullah Tatari, launched attacks on Hindu temples, including Surajkund and Manas, demolishing them in the frenzy. The mob later targeted the house of a Hindu man, Kishanlal, in Sarthal Chowki, attempting to burn it down. However, a group of Hindus stood their ground, forcing the attackers to retreat while they pelted stones at them. During this time, two Hindus, Hari Singh and Rakesh Vaishya, were killed.

The Explosive Aftermath
The violence did not subside in 1976. On April 24 of the same year, an explosion occurred at the house of a man named Kallu in Kotpurvi Mohalla, resulting in the death of his son, Salam. The administration’s response to the unrest was controversial. Around 20 to 22 Muslims were arrested for their roles in the violence, but the authorities also detained an equal number of innocent Hindus in an apparent attempt to present a “balanced” narrative of the events. This action raised questions about the fairness of the law enforcement response during the crisis.

The Rise of Key Figures and the 1978 Riots
In the aftermath of the 1976 violence, new figures began to emerge as central players in Sambhal’s religious and political landscape. Among them was Shafiqur Rahman Barq, who played a key role in the 1978 riots. Barq, along with Manjar Shafi, had been involved in orchestrating the 1976 violence. In a particularly chilling episode, Manjar Shafi abducted the wife and daughter of a Hindu teacher. While the young girl was later released after being subjected to rape, her mother was rescued by Hindu community members. In the wake of the 1978 riots, Barq imposed restrictions on Hindu access to the Harihar temple, further deepening the rift between the two communities.

The Decline of Hindu Population in Sambhal
The communal violence of the 1970s had lasting consequences on the demographic makeup of Sambhal. According to official reports, the Hindu population in the Sambhal municipal area has drastically decreased over the decades, from 45% at the time of Bharat’s independence to a mere 15-20% today. In contrast, the Muslim population, which was 55% at independence, has surged to 80-85%, marking a significant shift in the region’s demographic landscape.

The Hidden Cost of Communal Unrest
The history of riots in Sambhal reveals not only the physical destruction wrought by communal violence but also the long-term demographic and social shifts that such unrest can cause. The loss of life, the destruction of property, and the displacement of families are tragic, but the erosion of social harmony and the rise of hardline leadership figures contribute to a more insidious impact. The gradual decline in the Hindu population and the demographic shifts in the region are stark reminders of how violence can alter the very fabric of a society. The involvement of leaders like Shafiqur Rahman Barq, who sought to impose restrictions on the access of Hindus to religious spaces, indicates a deepening of tensions that continues to resonate today.

Conclusion: A Call for Reflection and Healing
The history of Sambhal’s riots is a painful chapter in Bharat’s communal history. The violence of 1976 and 1978 not only claimed lives but also left an indelible mark on the region’s social and demographic makeup. The gradual reduction of the Hindu population in Sambhal, accompanied by the rise of polarizing leaders, underscores the long-term consequences of communal unrest. As we reflect on this history, it is crucial to recognize the need for reconciliation and healing. Only through mutual understanding and respect for all communities can Sambhal and other regions in Bharat move forward from their violent pasts, ensuring that future generations can live in peace and harmony.