Tensions escalated in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday as hundreds of protestors clashed with police, vehemently opposing the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in Sanjauli. The protests, spearheaded by Hindu organizations, saw protestors pushing past barricades and engaging in confrontations with security personnel. Visuals captured police resorting to water cannons and lathicharge to disperse the crowd surging towards the mosque.
The protests were triggered by allegations of illegal construction of the Sanjauli mosque. Anticipating potential unrest, heavy police forces were deployed at the Dhalli Tunnel East in Shimla prior to the demonstrations. Citizens and members of Hindu organizations, particularly from the Civil Society Devbhoomi Sangathan, participated in the protests, displaying the Indian national flag and chanting slogans as they marched towards the mosque.
Addressing the situation, Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh stressed the importance of maintaining peace while emphasizing that the government would take action if the mosque was found to be illegal. He stated, “Everyone has the right to protest peacefully, and the government has also said this, but there should not be any situation that disrupts the peaceful environment. Therefore, the police have taken preventive measures. Section 163 has been imposed, and the area has been transformed into a police camp to prevent any situation that could compromise law and order in the state.”
Singh also shed light on the legal proceedings surrounding the alleged illegal structure, stating, “The matter regarding the construction of that illegal structure is pending in court. The government will make a decision after hearing the case. We have clearly stated that if it is deemed illegal, action will definitely be taken, and it will be demolished. However, that action will be taken only after the Municipal Commissioner’s order; it would not be appropriate to act before that.”
Earlier, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while acknowledging the right to protest, urged citizens to maintain peace and avoid damage to public property. Leader of the Opposition in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Jairam Thakur, criticized the Sukhu government, accusing them of delaying action against the alleged illegal construction.
