Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Stop at Ghazipur Border on Way to Violence-Hit Sambhal

Ghaziabad, December 4, 2024: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, accompanied by a delegation of MPs, were detained at the Ghazipur border while on their way to violence-hit Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh. The delegation was stopped due to prohibitory orders issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which prohibits outsiders from entering Sambhal district till December 31, 2024.

Sectional Prohibitory Orders Implemented

The section prohibitory orders were implemented on Tuesday after violent protests were witnessed in Sambhal last month when a Shahi Jama Masjid survey turned violent and five people were killed. Talking to PTI, Ghaziabad Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra said, “Rahul Gandhi and his delegation will not be allowed to enter Sambhal. Proper police deployment has been made to implement the prohibitory orders.”

The order was extended for a month after the uprising, and its expiry was now scheduled for December 1 to maintain peace in the area.

Sambhal Violence and Security Concerns

Tensions ran high on November 24 in Sambhal district after a survey sparked off protests that included gunfire, stone-pelting and arson. The district administration cited the volatile situation as reason for restricting entry. On December 3, a letter from District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia appealed to police officers from other districts to prevent entry of Gandhi.

“Till December 10, entry of outsiders, social organizations, or public representatives into the Sambhal district is prohibited without prior permission,” said the DM.

Congress Delegation Stopped

The five members of parliament from Uttar Pradesh formed the Congress delegation that was led by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The delegation was stopped on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway at the Ghazipur border. The Congress sources criticized the move calling it “an attempt to stifle voices of opposition.”

The Uttar Pradesh administration has still shown no signs of lifting the ban despite repeated assurances of peaceful intentions.

Political Reactions

The Congress party condemned the curbs and accused the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government of gagging democracy. A Congress spokesman said, “Rahul Gandhi was just trying to meet victims and gauge the ground situation. The BJP is petrified at the truth surfacing.”

On the other hand, BJP leaders justified the step, saying the state administration wanted to maintain law and order in a sensitive area.
Sambhal remains under heavy security, with prohibitory orders extended until December 31. Local police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to prevent further escalation of violence.

The Sambhal situation, however, does indicate the difficulties involved in finding a balance between political outreach and law enforcement in sensitive areas. With prohibitory orders still in place, it is to be seen how the Congress party plans to address the concerns of the affected residents without further increasing tensions.