Mosque dispute: Markets closed in many districts of Himachal on the call of Hindu organizations, heavy police force deployed

The controversy over illegal construction of a mosque in Sanjauli, a suburb of Himachal Pradesh’s capital Shimla, is not stopping and its spark is now igniting other cities of the state as well. Vishwa Hindu Parishad and other Hindu organizations have announced a two-hour market shutdown in the entire state today against illegal construction and encroachment in mosques. During this time, shops and business establishments have been appealed to remain closed for two hours. The mixed effect of the market shutdown by Hindu organizations is being seen. In many districts, businessmen have expressed their anger by keeping their shops closed. In such a situation, heavy police force has been deployed.

However, this bandh has had no effect on the capital Shimla and the markets of other suburbs including Mall Road are open. The local Vyapar Mandal here had kept the market closed for half a day two days ago. The shops of Sunni Bazar adjacent to Shimla are closed. Hindu organizations have announced a protest here today. The traders of Jury, Jhakri, Nogli of Rampur Umandal of Shimla district have kept the market closed till 1 pm. A Vyapar Mandal of Rampur has kept the market closed in support of the appeal of Hindu organizations.

In Hamirpur district too, the local trade associations have kept the market closed till 11 am in protest against the illegal construction of a mosque. However, the trade board of Nahan, the headquarters of Sirmaur district, has distanced itself from the bandh and the market is open. Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s state minister Tushar Dogra said that the businessmen of the entire state have been appealed to keep their shops closed for two hours today. The trade boards of many districts have supported this and have kept the markets closed. He said that the businessmen have been asked to observe the bandh in a peaceful manner.

Tushar Dogra said that the cases of illegal construction in mosques are unfortunate and the government should take strict action in this regard. He said that people of a particular community coming to Himachal from other states are doing their business as Tehbazari here without verification and registration. Such people are also committing criminal activities here. He has demanded from the administration to register and verify them as per the rules.

Report- UK Sharma