Sambhal border sealed

NO ENTRY ZONE | No outsiders, social organisations or public representatives allowed until Dec 10, declares administration

- Biswajeet Banerjee

Amid escalating tensions following recent violence at the Shahi Jama Masjid complex, the Sambhal district administration has barred the entry of outsiders into the district until Dec 10. "No outsider, social organisation, or public representative can enter the district without prior permission from the competent authority," said District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya in a statement issued on Saturday.

The directive coincided with a planned visit by a 15-member Samajwadi Party (SP) delegation, led by Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, aiming to probe the November 24 violence. However, the visit was thwarted as Pandey claimed he received requests from senior officials, including Home Secretary Sanjay Prasad, to defer the trip.