The controversy over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in Shimla’s Sanjauli area is deepening. Not only did the local people protest on this issue, but a heated exchange of words has also started between Congress and BJP leaders. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also slammed the Congress on this issue, which further increased the political temperature.
Many ministers of the state, opposition leaders and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur have given their respective reactions on the illegal construction of the mosque. The big thing is that Anirudh Singh, a minister in the state government, has also raised questions on the government and administration regarding this construction. The bold stand he took on this issue in the assembly, the opposition was seen supporting him more than the ruling party. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has attacked the Congress government over this.
Anirudh Singh raised questions in the assembly
Himachal Pradesh’s Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Aniruddh Singh made a strong comment on the issue of mosque construction in the assembly. He said, “It has become difficult for women to walk in Sanjauli market. Thefts are taking place, incidents like love jihad are happening, which are dangerous for the state and the country. The mosque has been constructed illegally. First one floor was built, then the rest of the floors were built without permission. A 5-storey mosque has been built. The question to the administration is why the electricity and water supply was not cut for the illegal construction of the mosque?”
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh strongly put forth his point in the assembly regarding the mosque dispute of Sanjauli. He said that it has become difficult for women to walk in Sanjauli market. He alleged that he himself is a witness to the indecent comments made there. He also said that criminal activities like drugs and theft are increasing, and also raised the issue of “love jihad”, which he described as a serious threat to the country and the state. Singh said that the local people are not behind the fights and violence happening in the area, but it has been started by outside elements, after which the local people have reacted.
He demanded from the Chief Minister that the people coming to the state for work should be properly verified. Singh insisted that only Himachali bonafide citizens should be given the license for Tehbazari. The opposition also supported Anirudh Singh in this matter, which has increased the pressure on the government to take appropriate action in this matter.
Owaisi attacks Congress
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi reacted strongly to the statement of Himachal Pradesh minister Anirudh Singh and accused the Congress of speaking the language of the BJP. Owaisi posted a video on social media and said, “Is the Himachal government of the BJP or the Congress? There is only hatred in Himachal’s ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’.”
Anirudh Singh replied to Owaisi
On the other hand, Anirudh Singh, while responding to Owaisi’s statement, said that temples and mosques are not private property. Here it is a matter of legal and illegal. Illegal is illegal. He said that Owaisi is BJP’s B team. His politics runs only on the strength of one community. He should take care of his state. The issue of people coming from outside is serious and it is important to identify them. He claimed that people with criminal background are coming to Himachal.
CM said this
On this matter, CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has said that people of all religions are respected in the state. Strict action will be taken against those who take the law into their own hands. The reasons behind such a situation are being investigated. The Urban Development Minister has also given his statement in the House regarding this. Every person coming to Himachal Pradesh is bound by the law and the citizens of the state are also bound by the law. Peaceful protests will be respected in the state. No one is allowed to break the law and order in the state.
Former CM Jairam Thakur demanded action
Former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur called the illegal construction of the mosque unfortunate and demanded strict action. He said, “Illegal construction of the mosque is unfortunate, and immediate action should be taken on this.”
What did Vikramaditya Singh say?
Meanwhile, Congress minister Vikramaditya Singh appealed to be cautious on this issue. He said, “Himachal has a history of taking everyone along. We have to move ahead cautiously on this issue and respect everyone’s feelings. The government will take just action under the law, and there should be no politics in the name of religion.” Meanwhile, Vikramaditya Singh said that there is love for everyone in Himachal and there is no place for hatred. Illegal construction will not be tolerated in the city. People coming to Himachal with fake IDs is a question mark on the internal security of Himachal. The government will not get caught in a communal issue.
Tension in Sanjauli due to protest
Hundreds of people united against the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in Shimla’s Sanjauli suburb. People first took out a protest march in Sanjauli market and then gathered outside the mosque and gheraoed it. Their demand was that the illegal construction of the mosque be demolished. This matter flared up after a fight between Hindu and Muslim communities in Malyana last Friday evening. It is alleged that a person from the Muslim community attacked local shopkeeper Yashpal Singh, due to which he got 14 stitches on his head. After this, the people of the area started demanding to register a case against the accused under the section of attempt to murder.
Illegal construction of mosque
Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhupendra Atri said that permission was given to construct only one floor for the mosque, but three more floors were constructed illegally. He said that this matter is pending in the court and the Waqf Board has also been made a party in it. Atri also clarified that no new construction has taken place since the matter went to the court. He assured that action will be taken against illegal construction as per the law.
The administration took the lead
Seeing the siege of the mosque and the growing tension, the local administration took immediate action. Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhupendra Atri, Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi and Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap reached the spot and controlled the situation by talking to the people. SP Sanjeev Gandhi assured that he will not allow any social tension to grow and strict action will be taken under the law. He said that a case will be registered under the section of Attempt to Murder in the case of assault. The investigation of the case has been handed over to ASP Ratan Negi.
Follow us On Social Media Google News and Twitter/X