The whitewashing of the historic Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, commenced on Sunday following the Allahabad High Court’s approval on March 12. The court’s decision came with strict guidelines to ensure the work is carried out without altering the mosque’s structure.

A three-member committee, comprising officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a scientific expert, and a local administration representative, has been formed to oversee the painting work. The move aims to complete the task ahead of the holy month of Ramzan.

Security has been significantly heightened in the Shahi Jama Masjid area to maintain peace during the process. Sambhal Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra stated, “Tight security arrangements have been made around the disputed site. An adequate police force has been deployed, and surveillance is being conducted through CCTV and drones.”

The ASI team conducted measurements and assessments on March 13, following the court’s directive. The contractor assigned by the ASI for the task told ANI that a team of eight workers has begun the whitewashing process, which is expected to be completed within a week. “We have been directed only to whitewash the mosque. The outer part will be painted,” he said.

Jama Masjid Committee secretary Masood Farooqui confirmed the start of the work, stating, “Labourers have come for whitewashing. The outer part will be painted.”

The court’s decision to allow whitewashing and decorative lighting comes amid ongoing tensions in Sambhal following violent clashes on November 24 last year. The riots erupted during an ASI survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid, resulting in four deaths and injuries to several others, including police personnel. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 8.

In February, the Uttar Pradesh Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted a chargesheet exceeding 4,000 pages in six out of the 12 cases related to the November 24 violence. According to the chargesheet, 80 individuals have been arrested, while 79 remain at large, bringing the total number of accused to 159.

The Allahabad High Court, during its March 12 hearing, emphasized that the whitewashing should not involve any structural changes to the mosque. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal ordered the formation of the oversight committee to ensure compliance with the directive.

Faisal Nadeem, alias Abu Qatal, the nephew of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Pakistan’s Punjab province, according to multiple reports. Nadeem, a key Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) handler, was reportedly behind several terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Rajouri attacks in 2023.

Attack details

The incident occurred at the Mangla bypass in Jhelum district, where unidentified gunmen opened fire on the vehicle in which Nadeem was traveling. He was reportedly killed on the spot, though no group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Nadeem’s role in J&K terror attacks

Nadeem was a crucial handler for LeT militants, orchestrating attacks from across the border. He was among the three Pakistan-based operatives named in a chargesheet filed by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2023, along with Sajid Jutt and Mohd Qasim. The chargesheet detailed their roles in directing and facilitating the 2023 Rajouri terror attack, which resulted in seven deaths and multiple injuries.

Long-standing involvement in terrorism

Reports suggest that Nadeem was active in Kashmir since 2000, engaging in multiple attacks before shifting back to Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). From there, he managed terror launchpads, guiding militants and overseeing infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir.

Uncertainty over perpetrators

While it remains unclear who carried out the attack, the killing of a high-profile terror handler in Pakistan raises speculations about possible internal rivalries, security operations, or targeted eliminations.

Indian security agencies are closely monitoring developments, as Pakistan has previously witnessed several mysterious killings of terrorist operatives in recent years.

Arvind Singh Mewar, a prominent member of the historic Mewar royal family, passed away early on March 16, in Udaipur, Rajasthan, at the age of 81 following a lengthy illness, as confirmed by family sources. He had been receiving treatment at his residence within the City Palace in Udaipur.

Arvind was the son of Bhagwant Singh Mewar and Sushila Kumari, and he was a direct descendant of the legendary Rajput king Maharana Pratap. He is survived by his wife, Vijayraj Kumari, and three children: Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Bhargavi Kumari Mewar, and Padmaja Kumari Parmar. His funeral service is set to be held on Monday. In honor of his passing, the Udaipur City Palace will remain closed to tourists over the weekend.

An educated man, Mewar attended the prestigious Mayo College in Ajmer and later pursued hotel management courses in both the UK and the US, garnering valuable experience in various international hotels. He eventually established the HRH Group of Hotels, which became a respected corporate entity in the hospitality industry. Beyond his business acumen, he had a passion for sports, having played cricket as the captain of Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy during the late 1940s and participating actively in polo in the 1970s before stepping back due to health issues.

His dedication to polo saw him instate ‘The Udaipur Cup’ at the prestigious Cambridge and Newmarket Polo Club in the UK. He also founded the Mewar Polo team in Udaipur, which achieved significant success, including winning the President’s Cup in 1991.

In addition to his love for flying, Arvind was an accomplished pilot, having completed solo flights across India in a microlite aircraft. As the Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, he contributed significantly to various charitable initiatives.

Following family disputes regarding succession after his father’s death in 1984, he led the Mewar royal family, navigating challenges surrounding property and leadership claims. His legacy continues through his children, particularly in the context of ongoing family dynamics and responsibilities.