Protests in Himachal Pradesh
The controversy surrounding illegal construction at mosques in Himachal Pradesh has sparked protests across four districts. On Saturday, Hindu organizations held anger rallies in areas including Sunni (near Shimla), Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district, and Sundernagar in Mandi. These organizations are demanding police verification of people coming from other states and monitoring their activities. In support of the protests, markets across the state were closed for two hours, and police were stationed outside mosques and Muslim-majority areas.
Protests in Various Areas
- Shimla: Demonstrators expressed their discontent by clapping in the Sunni market.
- Sirmaur: An anger rally was organized in Paonta Sahib.
- Bilaspur: People protested in the Ghumarwin market.
- Hamirpur: Hindu organizations and members of the trade association protested in the district headquarters.
Shimla Mosque Dispute:
- Incident Origins: The controversy began on the evening of August 31, when a local person in Malyana village was reportedly beaten by members of the Muslim community. The accused took refuge in the Sanjauli mosque in Shimla. On September 1, locals protested outside the mosque, alleging that three floors of the five-story mosque were illegally constructed. They claimed that the top floors were being used for unauthorized activities.
- Demands: Locals have demanded the demolition of the mosque, calling it illegal. Protests were held on September 5 in Sanjauli and Chotta Maidan. That evening, there were also protests in Kasumpti, Shimla. On Wednesday, Hindu organizations and locals staged a fierce protest in Sanjauli-Dhalli.
- Police Action: Following the protests in Sanjauli-Dhalli, the police conducted a lathi charge on the demonstrators. The case is also being heard in the municipal commissioner’s court. The three floors of the Sanjauli mosque are considered illegal, and the Muslim side has agreed to demolish them if the court orders. Until then, these floors have been sealed.
Mandi Mosque Controversy
In Mandi, there is also a dispute over illegal construction at a mosque on Jail Road. Locals have been protesting against it. The matter was taken to the municipal commissioner’s court, which declared two upper floors of the mosque illegal on September 13 and granted 30 days to demolish them. The mosque’s boundary is also alleged to be on PWD land. In response to the dispute, the Muslim community has begun demolishing the structure themselves.
Additional News:
- Mandi Mosque’s Illegal Floors Demolition Order: The municipal commissioner’s court in Mandi has ordered the demolition of two illegal floors of the mosque within 30 days. The mosque, which is 30 years old, is located on Jail Road. The court found two of its floors to be illegally constructed.
- Shimla Mosque Committee Offer: The mosque committee in Shimla has offered to demolish the illegal parts of the mosque if the court issues an order. They have met with Shimla Municipal Commissioner Bhupender Atri to discuss this matter.
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