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The peaceful city of Shimla has been thrown into turmoil by a heated dispute over a mosque in the Sanjauli area. The conflict, which has been simmering for over a decade, boiled over on Wednesday when hundreds of protesters took to the streets, clashing with police and demanding the demolition of the mosque. The tension stems from the alleged illegal construction of additional floors on the existing mosque, a claim vehemently contested by the Waqf Board, which asserts ownership of the property.
The protests were sparked by the construction of additional floors on the mosque, a move that has been met with fierce opposition from local residents. The protesters argue that the mosque was built illegally, with extra floors added without proper permissions. They believe the mosque's expansion is a threat to the local community and have demanded its demolition. The protesters, chanting slogans like “Himachal Ne Thaana Hai, Devbhoomi Ko Bachana Hai” (We are protecting Himachal, our sacred land) and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” (Victory to Mother India), defied prohibitory orders issued by the authorities, highlighting the depth of their anger and determination.
The controversy has also taken a political turn. Himachal Pradesh’s Rural Minister Anirudh Singh, who has been vocal in his opposition to the mosque’s expansion, has accused the mosque authorities of illegal activities and demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. He also alleged that illegal migrants from Bangladesh were responsible for the construction of the mosque and called for a crackdown on their activities. His statements have added fuel to the fire, further polarizing the situation and raising concerns about the potential for communal tensions.
The Waqf Board, however, maintains that it owns the disputed mosque and that the dispute only pertains to the construction of additional floors. The board has challenged the claims of illegal construction and has maintained that the mosque was built within the bounds of the law. The court has sought clarification from the Waqf Board on how the mosque expanded from a single-storey building to a five-storey structure.
The clash between protesters and police underscores the depth of the animosity surrounding the mosque and the potential for escalation. The conflict has exposed the underlying social tensions and the complexities of religious and cultural differences. The future of the mosque remains uncertain, and the situation hinges on the outcome of the legal proceedings and the ability of the authorities to defuse the tensions and find a peaceful resolution.
Source: Tension in Shimla as protestors clash with police over 'illegal' mosque in Sanjauli; WATCH