The Sanjauli Mosque in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, is at the center of a heated controversy as the mosque committee begins the demolition of three unauthorized floors, as ordered by the Municipal Corporation Court. The demolition, which started on the roof, is expected to take at least five months due to the harsh winter conditions and a lack of funding.
The decision to demolish the illegal portions of the mosque came after a court order issued on October 5th, giving the mosque committee two months to comply. The committee, led by Chairman Lucky Mohammad Latif Negi, has expressed its intention to seek an extension from the court, citing the complex nature of the demolition process. The committee has also engaged in communication with Shimla’s Superintendent of Police and the Municipal Corporation Commissioner regarding the ongoing situation.
The demolition has ignited a wave of controversy, with various factions within the community holding differing opinions. While the mosque committee emphasizes the need to maintain social peace, the Himachal Muslim Organization has hinted at potential legal action against the demolition. However, Negi maintains that the majority of the Muslim community in Shimla supports the committee’s approach.
Protests from Hindu organizations two months ago, demanding the demolition of the mosque, escalated the situation. These protests led to clashes between demonstrators and police on September 11th, resulting in injuries to at least ten individuals, including six police officers and four civilians. The subsequent investigation resulted in the filing of 15 FIRs and the identification of over 60 suspects, including members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti, and the BJP.
The Sanjauli Mosque demolition highlights the delicate balance between religious freedom, legal compliance, and community harmony. The situation continues to evolve, with the next court hearing scheduled for December 21st. The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for the future of the mosque and the broader community in Shimla.