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The 1978 communal riots in Sambhal started with a college membership dispute. Manjar Ali conspired with his associates to incite riots, which resulted in violence, looting, arson and firing. 10-12 Hindu civilians died in this riot and curfew was imposed in the city for several months.
Tension arising from membership dispute
Controversy started regarding membership in Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Degree College located in Sambhal. According to the rules of the college, a person who donated Rs 10,000 was given lifetime membership. The local truck union presented a check of Rs 10,000 to the college, the receipt of which was in the name of Manzar Shafi. Manzar Shafi wanted to become a member of the college management committee, but the truck union officials asked him not to authorize anyone. Due to this, the Vice President and SDM of the College Management Committee refused to give membership to Manzar Shafi.
Controversy increased during Holi
On 25 March 1978, during Holi, a dispute took place at two places. At one place, a Muslim shopkeeper had placed a kiosk in place of Holika Dahan, which was removed. A platform was built at another place. These incidents increased tension between the two communities.
Controversy over titles in college program
On 28 March 1978, a program was to be organized at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College, in which degrees were to be awarded to students and teachers. Some Muslim students called the titles objectionable and demanded the program be stopped. The dispute escalated between the college principal and the student union. The principal suspended five students, making the situation worse.
beginning of riot
On March 29, 1978, there was anger among municipal employees and rickshaw pullers regarding salaries. Meanwhile, Ranganlal Sahadev Valmiki started protesting in the tehsil. Manzar Shafi joined the demonstration with his supporters and started raising provocative slogans. An attempt was made to forcibly close the shops in the market, due to which the situation went out of control.
looting and arson
Pramod Paan vendors and traders from the Punjabi community in the market protested against the closure of their shops. This started clashes. Looting and arson took place in many areas including vegetable market, bullion market, Ganj, Nakhasa Tiraha. Rumors were spread that Manzar Shafi had been killed and mosques were being demolished.
curfew and police action
When the situation went out of control, the administration immediately ordered curfew. Curfew remained in force from 29 March 1978 to 20 May 1978. A total of 169 cases were registered during the riots. Many people were arrested, and a tense situation prevailed throughout the city.