By sabrangindia
On September 14, Himachal Pradesh ‘Bandh” called by Hindu right-wing outfits demanding action against the allegedly illegal constructed mosques and over the issue of the illegal migrants, allegedly increasing in the state. The ‘bandh” was called by multiple Hindu right-wing outfits unanimously with the aid of local trade association and local residents.
Since last week, Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have been witnessing multiple protest and rallies against the mosques situated in different areas of both the state. The situation became chaotic when in Shimla’s Sanjauli area, on September 5, Hindu right-wing called a protest rally against an alleged illegally constructed mosque and turned violent and breached the security layers around the mosque in question. The mob of protesters also chanted slogans and conducted “Hanuman Chalisha” in front of Sanjauli Mosque.
Sanjauli Mosque dispute: Shimla Himachal Pradesh
The protest started over the 14-year-old disputed four-storey mosque located in Sanjauli area of Shimla. It is reported that the incident escalated and flared up from a stray incident as some people allegedly attacked a local trader with rods and sticks. FIR has been registered on 6 persons for alleged attack. It was alleged that all the accused then fled from there and hid in the Sanjauli mosque, resulting in communal tension and protests and slogans chanting against the allegedly illegal construction of the mosque in Sanjauli, claiming that the mosque was constructed illegally and without permission.
The legal dispute of the Sanjauli Mosque is still pending in the court of Municipal Commissioner, Shimla and yet to be decided.
The issue got attention and media coverage when Himachal Panchayati Raj Minister and Congress MLA Anirudh Singh raised the issue of alleged illegal construction of the Sanjauli mosque, while claiming increasing theft in area, rise love jihad concern before the State Assembly. Speaking at the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Singh demanded an investigation into the construction of Shimla’s Sanjauli Masjid and highlighted the alleged illegal construction of the mosque had led to tensions in the area.
“It has become difficult for women to walk in the Sanjauli market, and thefts are occurring. Love Jihad is another serious issue that needs attention and is dangerous for our country and state. Fights are taking place,” he addressed in assembly.
This story was originally published in sabrangindia.in. Read the full story here.
