In Short
- Protest against unauthorised mosque construction
- Protesters recite Hanuman Chalisa, raise slogans
- CM appeals for peace and brotherhood
Shops remained closed in several towns across Himachal Pradesh on Saturday as a two-hour bandh was observed in protest against unauthorised construction of mosques in the state and the recent police action on demonstrators.
The bandh call till 11 AM given by the VHP and various business groups saw protest marches by some Hindu organisations at Bilaspur, Kullu, Chamba, Hamirpur, Poanta Sahib and other places. There was not much impact in Shimla as the Beopar Mandal had already observed a bandh on Thursday.
The protesters also recited Hanuman Chalisa during the bandh period in Hamirpur and Chamba towns and raised slogans.
The protest was against unauthorised construction of a portion of a mosque in Shimla and encroachment on government land by a mosque in Mandi besides baton charge on protestors of Hindu groups in Shimla on Wednesday and the use of water cannon on demonstrators in Mandi on Friday, VHP officer bearers said.
The protesters are also demanding verification of outsiders living in the state.
This story was originally published in indiatoday.in. Read the full story here.
