Amid protests against illegal mosques in different areas of Himachal Pradesh, another case has come to light. Here the Forest Department on Monday demolished the newly built structure of a shrine named Lakhdata Peer in Shastri area of Hamirpur district. The controversy over the construction work of this shrine on forest land arose when someone posted pictures of this site on social media in the morning, which caused resentment among the Hindu community and increased tension. The administration has taken control of the situation.
Realising the seriousness of the situation, the local district administration immediately intervened and directed the forest department to take appropriate action. Following the administration’s orders, forest officials arrived at the spot and demolished the illegal wall being constructed there. A spokesperson of the forest department said that the department will demarcate the concerned land.
Hamirpur is the home district of Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu. Officials said that while taking action to remove the wall, local officials had informed him about the situation. The official spokesperson has confirmed that the situation in Hamirpur district and city is now under control. Any kind of disturbance will not be tolerated here.
Police said a case was registered on Sunday against 50 people, including VHP leaders, former councillors and panchayat heads, in connection with the violence that broke out during a protest held in Sanjauli area here last week demanding demolition of an illegal portion of a mosque. On September 11, protesters clashed with security personnel. The protesters broke barricades and pelted stones while police used water cannon and lathicharge to disperse them. Around 10 people were injured in the incident.
