Protesters demanding the demolition of the disputed mosque in Sanjauli area of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh broke the police barricades. After this, the security forces lathi-charged them. In response, the agitators also pelted stones. Hundreds of protesters had gathered in Sabzi Mandi Dhalli raising slogans of Jai Shri Ram and Hindu Ekta Zindabad. The angry crowd did not obey the order of Section 163 imposed by the administration. People started marching towards Sanjauli to register their protest. Meanwhile, the angry crowd broke the barricades installed near the Dhalli tunnel.
Many protesters including Kamal Gautam are in custody
The crowd gathered at the call of Hindu groups entered Sanjauli and broke other barricades near the mosque. After this, the police used lathicharge and water cannon to disperse the crowd. Police also detained many protesters including Kamal Gautam, secretary of Hindu Jagran Manch. After this, barricades were again put up near the mosque, but the protesters refused to move from there and kept raising slogans against the administration. Many women also joined the protest. These people recited Hanuman Chalisa in Dhalli before breaking the barricades.
Demand to seal the mosque till the hearing
Vijay Sharma, one of the leaders of the protestors, said that there is an atmosphere of unrest in the area due to the police action. He said that this case is pending for 14 years and the next date of hearing in the court is October 5. He said that our demand is that the structure should be sealed till the hearing is over. All the outsiders coming to the state should be registered and a vendor policy should be made on the basis of population in which 95 percent licenses should be given to Hindus.
The protesters alleged
The protesters alleged that the government has denied them permission to hold a peaceful protest and now they are being arrested. They also claimed that some protesters have been injured in the police action. A woman police officer has also been injured in the clash with the protesters.
Section 163 implemented, police took over
Heavy police force has been deployed in Sanjauli and surrounding areas amid rising tension over illegal construction in a mosque in Sanjauli area and a bandh call by Hindu organisations demanding demolition of the disputed structure. Senior police officers, including Director General of Police (DGP) Atul Verma, were present on the spot. The Shimla district administration has issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Defence Code, which prohibits gathering of more than five people and possession of arms.
Minister Vikramaditya said- this is not just a matter of structure
Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh appealed for peace and said that the state government will take necessary legal action on the dispute regarding the mosque. He said that this is not a matter of just one structure but there are more than 4,000-5,000 such structures. This case has been pending in the Municipal Commissioner’s court for the last 14 years and efforts will be made to expedite the hearing of the case.
Opposition leader warned
Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Jairam Thakur has also appealed to the protesters to follow the laws. He warned the government that the matter of illegal mosque is very sensitive. It should not be taken lightly. The case should be heard quickly, as it can spread tension in other parts of the state as well.
CM Sukhu said- this should not be given a political colour
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu told reporters here on Tuesday that the issue should not be given a political colour. Also, it is the government’s responsibility to maintain law and order. People have the right to protest peacefully, but no person from any community should be harmed.
