The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a decision to establish an Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) unit in Sambhal. Sambhal Police submitted a confidential report to the government where they mentioned more than 20 people from the area who have been involved in terrorist activities. The decision of establishing the ATS comes after that.
The police found strong evidence linking local residents to terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda, Hizbul Mujahideen, ISIS, and SIMI. To strengthen security, the ATS office will open in the building of Satyavrat police chowki. This is located right in front of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal. The building is three stories tall and has modern facilities to support the ATS team.
Past Terror Links and Arrests in Sambhal
The Sambhal police have uncovered alarming connections between some locals and terrorist organisations. For example, Maulana Asim Umar from Sambhal, also known as Shannu, became the chief of Al-Qaeda in South Asia. He was killed in a US drone strike in Afghanistan in 2019.
Additionally, several other suspects linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS have been arrested or are in jail. In 2015, Mohammad Asif, identified as an Al-Qaeda India chief, was arrested and later released after serving seven years. Another associate, Jafar Masood, was caught recruiting youth for Al-Qaeda. Recently, two young men with ISIS connections were also arrested in Sambhal. Some accused individuals have been found in jails in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, others are either dead or have returned to regular life after completing their sentences.
Local Support for ATS Move
The people of Sambhal have generally welcomed the decision to set up the ATS unit. Dr. Rashiq Anwar, a local resident, said that this step is good for the city. He believes that if some young people have gone astray, the ATS can help guide them back to the right path. He also suggested that not only Sambhal but also other cities should have ATS units to improve overall security. According to him, earlier, several youths from Sambhal had gone to Pakistan and were involved in terrorism. However, the strict actions in recent times have improved the situation. Still, some brainwashed youths may join terrorism for money and religious emancipation. But, the situation looks stable.Â
In the past, Sambhal saw violence around the Jama Masjid area during a survey on November 24, 2024. The police recovered cartridges used by rioters, which forensic tests showed were made in Pakistan. The police conducted thorough investigations, working with intelligence agencies like the Intelligence Bureau and local units. This led to the uncovering of the terrorist connections and the push for an ATS unit in the area.
The upcoming ATS office will serve as a key centre for monitoring and preventing terrorism in Sambhal. With police and intelligence working closely, the move aims to provide better safety to the residents of this diverse community. Both Hindus and Muslims live together peacefully in Sambhal. This effort shows the government’s commitment to combating terrorism at the local level and ensuring security for all.
