Shimla Mosque Controversy: Tensions are Emerge as Mosque Committee Agrees to the Demolish 'Illegal' Portion
Shimla Protest in the picturesque of town of Shimla, located in Himachal Pradesh, tensions have flared over a controversial mosque in the Sanjauli area. The controversy, which has been captured significant local and national attention, revolves around allegations that a portion of the mosque has been constructed illegally. In a recent development, the mosque committee has responded to the mounting pressure by the agreeing to voluntarily demolish to the disputed section of the structure.
The mosque committee, in an effort to ease the escalating tensions and to comply with local regulations, has formally submitted a memorandum to the Shimla Municipal Corporation. In this document, they have pledged to dismantle the parts of the mosque that are alleged to be out of compliance with the approved building plans. This concession comes amidst widespread protests and significant unrest in the region.
The situation came to a head on Wednesday, when demonstrations erupted in Sanjauli, leading to violent clashes between protesters and security forces. Thousands of local residents, including members of various Hindu organizations, took to the streets demanding immediate action against what they claim is an illegal structure. The protests quickly turned chaotic, with demonstrators breaking through barricades and hurling stones at police officers. In response, the police deployed water cannons and baton-charged the crowd, resulting in injuries to around ten individuals, including both protestors and law enforcement personnel.
The conflict over the mosque has also drawn in political figures, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. BJP MP Sambit Patra has been vocal in criticizing the Congress party’s stance on the issue. Patra alleged that the Congress party, through its leaders, is showing undue sympathy towards what he described as an “illegal mosque.” He further claimed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was indicative of his party’s leniency towards controversial religious structures. Patra’s comments reflect a broader political narrative, where the mosque controversy has become a focal point of partisan discourse.
The BJP’s criticism has been directed at Congress leaders, accusing them of failing to address the legal concerns surrounding the mosque. Patra pointed out that the Municipal Court had issued 45 notices to the mosque administration, requesting documentation to prove the legality of the construction. However, according to Patra, these requests were met with no substantial response, further fueling the perception of legal non-compliance.
Congress, on its part, has been criticized by BJP leaders for what they perceive as an appeasement strategy. The debate has extended beyond local politics, with accusations of “love jihad” and other inflammatory topics being raised by various political actors. This contentious atmosphere has only served to deepen the divisions within the community and has heightened the urgency of resolving the dispute.
As the controversy continues, the mosque committee’s decision to undertake the demolition of the disputed portion represents a significant step towards addressing the legal and community concerns raised by the protests. By voluntarily agreeing to remove the unauthorized sections of the mosque, the committee aims to demonstrate its commitment to adhering to municipal regulations and mitigating the ongoing conflict.
Shimla protest mosque row: After clashes, Muslim panel offers to demolish unauthorised portion
In Shimla, a significant development has emerged regarding the mosque in Sanjauli. On Thursday, representatives from the local Muslim welfare committee presented a memorandum to Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhupender Kumar Attri. The committee, which includes the mosque’s Imam, members of the Waqf board, and the mosque management, requested that the civic body seal the unauthorised section of the mosque. They have committed to demolishing this part themselves in compliance with a court order.
The decision to take this step was framed as an effort to maintain communal harmony and demonstrate a commitment to peaceful coexistence. Mufti Mohammad Shafi Kasmi, a member of the committee, emphasized that the Muslims in the area are long-standing residents of Himachal Pradesh, and their actions are intended to uphold peace and unity.
The Imam of the Sanjauli mosque also supported this initiative, underscoring that there has been no external pressure. The focus, he noted, is on preserving a harmonious environment in the region.
The proposal has been met with approval from the Dev Bhoomi Sangarh Committee, which had previously organized protests against the mosque’s unauthorised construction. Vijay Sharma, a member of the committee, expressed support for the Muslim community’s decision, stating they would be first to commend the initiative as it serves the broader interest.
This development follows a day of unrest on Wednesday when protests against the mosque’s alleged illegal portion led to clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The confrontation involved stone-pelting, broken barricades, and the use of water cannons and baton charges by the police, resulting in injuries to several individuals.
In response to the escalating situation, Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh stated that the government is closely monitoring the developments and maintaining communication with central leadership. He assured that both Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and senior Congress leaders are attentive to the situation to prevent further disturbances.
During the protests, demonstrators, some shouting slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Hindu Ekta Zindabad,” defied prohibitory orders and clashed with the police, leading to a significant security intervention.
Shimla Mosque Dispute Escalates: Police Detain Protesters and Schools Left in Chaos
The ongoing dispute over the mosque in Shimla’s Sanjauli area has intensified, with recent developments leading to further unrest. During a clash on Wednesday, police detained several protesters, including Kamal Gautam, the secretary of Hindu Jagran Manch. In response, authorities reinforced the barricades near the mosque. Despite these efforts, the protesters persisted in their demonstrations, vocally criticizing the administration.
The confrontation had far-reaching effects, particularly on local students. Schools in Sanjauli, Dhalli, and nearby areas faced significant disruption as the clash unfolded. Many students were stranded in their schools due to the chaotic situation. Residents expressed frustration with the district administration for failing to instruct schools to close for the day, given the known risks associated with the ongoing protests.
School managements found themselves in a difficult position, awaiting guidance from the district administration on whether to send students home amidst the turmoil. This delay exacerbated the confusion and concern among parents and guardians, who were anxious about the safety of their children.
The clash, marked by stone-pelting and the use of water cannons and baton charges by police, further fueled the tension in the community. The situation highlights the challenges faced by local authorities in managing both public safety and educational continuity during periods of civil unrest.
As the standoff continues, the focus remains on finding a resolution that ensures peace and order while addressing the underlying issues driving the protests.