wl-2645-Territorial Transformation and Sociopolitical Tensions in Sikandarpur Land Dispute

This study examines the Sikanderpur Land Dispute in Uttar Pradesh, India, focusing on the illegal encroachment of a communal pond for temple construction. The conflict highlights territorial transformation and socio-political tensions, guided by Delaney and Elden’s theories of territory as a dynamic social construct. Using legal documentation, news reports, and judicial decisions, the paper explores the complexities of the dispute and the intersection of territory with socio-political processes. The temple’s construction symbolizes cultural assertion and power, redefining space and challenging communal rights. This act of re-territorialization underscores the exertion of power by non-state actors, emphasizing possession over legal ownership. Various stakeholders, including villagers, encroachers, and authorities, reflect broader issues of land management and governance. This research examines how territorial practices establish control, redefine spaces, and shape identities, moving beyond physical aspects to include legal, economic, and cultural dimensions. The Sikanderpur case underscores the importance of a holistic approach to territorial analysis, integrating political, legal, socio-political, and cultural perspectives in understanding complex land conflicts.