On November 26, activists from the AISA and students from across Delhi organized a protest at UP Bhawan against the killing of six Muslim men in Sambhal by the Uttar Pradesh Police. The students faced violent crackdown by the Delhi Police during a peaceful protest.
Protesters, including JNUSU President Dhananjay and AISA Delhi Secretary Neha, were manhandled and injured in the police action, and later detained. The detained protesters were taken to Bawana Police Station, located on the outskirts of Delhi.
AISA has also raised concerns about the role of Vishnu Shankar, a Hindutva member and the petitioner behind the survey, who instigated communal violence. Despite being detained, the activists continued their protest inside the police station, demanding accountability for the killings in Sambhal and the immediate arrest of Vishnu Shankar. Speaking at a public meeting outside the station, JNUSU President Dhananjay condemned the incident, stating, “In Yogi's Uttar Pradesh, Hindutva elements can freely challenge places of worship while the administration desecrates their sanctity. This agenda of vilification must be resisted.”
AISA Delhi Secretary Neha criticised the state government’s actions, stating, “The incident in Sambhal is a declaration of Muslims as second-class citizens. The audacity of these Hindutva forces must be met with unity and resistance.”
Protesters have highlighted a concerning trend in the Delhi Police’s approach to suppressing dissent. By taking activists to remote police stations, such as Bawana, and failing to provide transportation upon release, the authorities seemingly aim to deter future protests. However, the protesters remained undeterred, arranging their return independently and reaffirming their commitment to the cause.
AISA has called upon peace-loving citizens across India to recognise the communal agenda behind the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. This is an attempt to weaken the Places of Worship Act, 1991 and embolden the communal forces and destroy the country’s secular values.
AISA has demanded:
Immediate action against Vishnu Shankar and his associates for inciting violence.
Accountability for the police personnel involved in the killings in Sambhal.
Enforcement of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, to uphold religious harmony.
