MEERUT, Aug. 21 -- A controversy has erupted over a mazaar situated inside the Sambhal Municipal Council premises after the administration initiated steps for its removal. Members of the Muslim community have opposed the move, claiming the shrine is over a thousand years old.

On Thursday, tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh, accompanied by naib tehsildar Deepak Jurel and lekhpal Rahul Dhariwal, inspected the site in the presence of municipal executive officer Manibhushan Tiwari.

The administration directed community representatives to submit relevant documents related to the mazaar within two to three days.

Community leader Shahid Hussain Masudi said the shrine holds historic significance and has existed for more than a millennium. He add...