New Delhi. Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh has given a statement that if there is illegal construction in Sanjauli Mosque, it will be demolished. Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh’s capital Shimla, there was a clash between the police and Hindu organizations in the growing dispute over Sanjauli Mosque. A large number of workers of Hindu organizations were marching towards Sanjauli Mosque, alleging illegal construction of the mosque. During this, they tried to break the barricades put up by the police, after which the police resorted to lathi charge.
#WATCH Shimla Protests Himachal Pradesh: Protestors remove the barricading and enter the Dhalli Tunnel East portal during their protest rally against the alleged illegal construction of a Mosque in the Sanjauli area. pic.twitter.com/zz4nfmMgao
— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024
The matter became more heated when Hindu organizations announced a protest against the illegal construction of the mosque. The administration also held a two-hour meeting with the leaders of the organizations to stop them from protesting, but the talks failed. After this, the administration imposed prohibitory orders around Sanjauli market and many barricades were also installed. Even the traffic from the newly built tunnel nearby was stopped.
#WATCH Shimla Protest | Himachal Pradesh: Police spray water cannon on protesters opposing the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in Sanjauli area. pic.twitter.com/AcWzXnrNsW
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) September 11, 2024
What is the full background of the controversy?
The case of illegal construction in Sanjauli Mosque has been going on for a long time. The issue has been heard in the court 44 times so far, but five floors have been built in the mosque. Congress government minister Anirudh Singh also raised this issue in the assembly. He had demanded that the illegal construction of the mosque be demolished within 48 hours. Anirudh Singh had alleged that it has become difficult for women to walk in Sanjauli market and incidents like love jihad are increasing, which is dangerous for Himachal Pradesh and the country. Anirudh Singh had also raised the question that when the construction of Sanjauli Mosque was illegal, then why did the administration not stop the supply of electricity and water to the mosque. He said that one floor of the mosque was built earlier, but gradually five floors were built.
#WATCH Shimla Protest | Himachal Pradesh: Protesters clash with security forces over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in Sanjauli area. https://t.co/9XNpMlxHpV pic.twitter.com/4nB0VPubKK
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) September 11, 2024
The dispute over the mosque is not limited to illegal construction, but questions are also being raised about the increasing Muslim population and changing demography in the state. Local people and Hindu organizations consider it a threat to the cultural identity of Shimla. At present, there is little hope of this issue being resolved soon, and the situation remains tense.
