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The ongoing dispute over a mosque in Sanjauli, Shimla, has escalated into a legal battle with the Waqf Board claiming ownership of the structure and local residents demanding its demolition due to alleged illegal construction. The controversy, simmering for 14 years, has recently flared up after a businessman was assaulted during a fight involving Muslim youths in a nearby area, sparking widespread protests.
The Waqf Board asserts ownership of the mosque, but maintains the dispute centers solely on the construction of additional floors. This claim is contested by local residents who, represented by Advocate Jagat Pal, argue that the issue is not communal but rather the illegality of the mosque's expansion. They emphasize that the structure, originally a single-storey building, has transformed into a five-storey structure without proper authorization.
The Municipal Commissioner's court, where the case is currently pending, has sought clarification from both the Waqf Board and the mosque committee regarding the mosque's expansion. The court has also requested a status report on the ongoing construction. The Waqf Board has faced difficulty in presenting evidence of ownership, with the Revenue Department records indicating the state as the land owner. Despite this, the board maintains that the focus of the dispute is not ownership but the expansion of the mosque.
Adding to the complexity of the issue, Minister Anirudh Singh, responsible for Rural Development in Himachal Pradesh, has also raised concerns about the mosque's construction, citing allegations of illegal activities by 'outsiders' and questioning the mosque's origin. He has demanded an investigation into the construction, highlighting the rapid expansion from a single-storey structure to a five-storey building without proper approvals. He has also expressed concern over the potential for tension due to illegal construction activities by migrants.
The mosque dispute in Sanjauli has become a flashpoint for tensions within the community. The legal proceedings, which will continue with the next hearing scheduled for October 5, are likely to be closely watched as the court attempts to determine the legality of the mosque's construction and resolve the conflicting claims of ownership and expansion. The issue has also brought to light concerns about illegal construction activities, the potential for tensions related to migration, and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the development process.