Vandalism, lathicharge, water cannon in Shimla… Know what is the mosque dispute over which Hindu organizations are angry

On Wednesday, Hindu organizations and local people protested for about 5:30 hours against illegal construction in the mosque premises in Sanjauli area of ​​​​Shimla. During this, the protesters also clashed with the police personnel. The protesters marched towards the mosque and raised slogans like ‘Himachal ne thana hai, Devbhoomi ko bachana hai’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’. During this, the police tried to stop them by putting up barricades, which the people broke and tried to move forward. The police used water cannon and lathicharge to disperse the protesting people.

This march was called to protest against the alleged illegal construction of additional floors in a mosque located in Sanjauli area of ​​Shimla. On this issue, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that people have the right to protest, but they should express their protest peacefully and without damaging public property. CM Sukhu had also said that the local municipal court is hearing the issue of alleged illegal construction in Sanjauli mosque and the law will do its job. Vikramaditya Singh, a minister in the Congress government of Himachal Pradesh, said that the matter of the controversial mosque is in court. If the construction is found to be illegal, it will be demolished.

What is the whole controversy regarding Sanjauli Mosque?

Construction work started in the premises of the mosque after 2007 with the aim of expanding it. In 2010, a case was registered against the mosque, terming it illegal. However, four new floors were added to the mosque in the last 14 years. The matter was heard 44 times by the Municipal Corporation, but no solution was found. Last month, a group of people claimed that the mosque was being expanded on their land and a conflict situation arose between two communities over this. After this dispute, this five-storey mosque became the center of local and political discussion.

On August 30, half a dozen people from the minority community allegedly attacked businessman Yashpal Singh and some others with rods and sticks in Malyana area, injuring four of them. Businessman Yashpal Singh is reportedly a resident of Malyana in Kasumpti assembly constituency near Shimla. A case has been registered against Gulnawaz (32), Sariq (20), Saif Ali (23), Rohit (23), Rehan (17) and Sameer (17). Five of the accused are from Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, while Rehan is from Dehradun.

Protest by Hindu organizations after the attack

Hindu organizations last week launched a massive protest at Chaura Maidan near the Himachal Pradesh Assembly demanding the demolition of the illegal construction of the mosque. People gathered in Malyana, an area outside Sanjauli. They claimed that the four floors of the mosque are illegal. 10 years have passed, but no action has been taken. They demanded immediate demolition of the illegal mosque. Anirudh Singh, Rural Development Minister in the Congress government of Himachal, also alleged that the mosque in Sanjauli has been constructed illegally. He demanded an inquiry into its construction.

Congress leader told the mosque is an illegal construction

Congress leader Anirudh Singh said, ‘Construction started without approval. It was an illegal structure. First, one floor was built, then the rest of the floors were built. It has become difficult for women to walk in Sanjauli market. Thefts are happening. Fights are taking place. Love Jihad is another serious issue that needs to be addressed and it is dangerous for our country and state. The mosque is built on government land and the case is pending in the court for the last 14 years.’ However, Anirudh Singh’s statement was opposed by some MLAs of his own party.

Congress opposes Anirudh Singh’s statement

Countering the minister’s statement, Congress MLA Harish Janartha said that there is no tension in the area. He said, ‘The mosque was originally built before 1960 and three additional floors were illegally added on Waqf Board land in 2010.’ Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also reacted to Anirudh Singh’s statement. He wondered whether the BJP is running the government in Himachal Pradesh or the Congress? He shared the video of Anirudh Singh’s speech from his X handle and wrote, ‘There is only hatred in Himachal’s Mohabbat ki Dukaan! In this video, Himachal’s minister is speaking the language of BJP.’

Vikramaditya said that appropriate action will be taken

However, Congress leader and Himachal Pradesh Urban Development and PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh reacted to Owaisi’s post and advised him not to politicise the issue. Minister Vikramaditya Singh wrote, ‘Every action will be taken according to the law in the mosque case in Sanjauli area of ​​Shimla. There is a rule of law in Himachal Pradesh and every work here is done according to the law. There is no place for communalism here.’ Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu told reporters that all residents of the state have equal rights and he respects all religions. He said, ‘Peaceful protests are allowed but no one will be allowed to take the law into their hands.’