An ancient temple structure has been discovered in Khurja town in the district, which has led to demands from right-wing organizations for its restoration.
The district administration built the development after a week Sambhal reopened a temple Closed since 1978 after communal riots in the city.
On Sunday, Khurja Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Durgesh Singh said that the temple in Salma Hakan Mohalla was built by the Jatav community who also worshiped there.
The SDM said a family of the community had immersed the Khurja temple idols in the river after the Jatav community had relocated about three decades ago.
Singh clarified that the structure of the temple is intact and there is no dispute over the land. He said that an investigation is underway on the matter.
Meanwhile, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Jatav Vikas Manch have urged the authorities to restore the temple to allow resumption of religious activities.
According to Sunil Solanki, office-bearer of the VHP’s Meerut unit, the temple was closed since 1990 as Hindu families who had previously settled in the area migrated.
Solanki said that he has submitted a memorandum to the authority to clean and beautify the temple to facilitate worship.
Kailash Bhagmal Gautam, president of Jatav Development Forum, said that the 50-year-old temple was initially built by the Jatav community. After the 1990 riots, the community shifted and the temple has since been closed, Gautam said. The platform has formally requested revival of religious activities at the temple in coordination with the VHP, he said.
On December 14, the Sambhal administration reopened the temple, which had been closed since 1978 following communal riots in the city.
The Sambhal temple, a stone’s throw from the Shahi Jama Masjid, was opened after officials “stumbled across” it during an anti-encroachment drive. The Bhasma Shankar Temple has an idol of Lord Hanuman and a Shivlinga.
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