 |
|
The ongoing dispute regarding the ownership of a mosque in Sanjauli Colony, Shimla, has taken a new turn with the Waqf Board asserting its claim over the structure. The Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner's court, where the case has been pending for 14 years, heard both parties involved - the Waqf Board and local residents – on September 7, 2023, and scheduled the next hearing for October 5, 2023. The court's decision will have significant implications for the future of the mosque and the ongoing tension within the community.
The Waqf Board, representing the Muslim community, submitted to the court that it owns the mosque and the current dispute revolves around its further development. This statement directly contradicts the stance of local residents, who have been demanding the demolition of the mosque, deeming it an 'unauthorized construction'. The controversy escalated to mass protests after an alleged attack on a businessman by Muslim youths in the nearby Malyana area, highlighting the sensitive nature of the issue and the deep-rooted tensions within the community.
Advocate Jagat Pal, representing the local residents, highlighted the prolonged nature of the case and the lack of action taken by authorities. He emphasized that the Waqf Board was only made a party to the proceedings in 2023, further highlighting the delays and frustration faced by the community. While Pal insists that the issue is primarily about illegal construction, the Waqf Board insists that the matter is not about ownership, but rather the development of the existing mosque. This difference in perspective highlights the complex nature of the dispute and the need for a resolution that addresses the concerns of both parties.
The court has requested a status report on the construction of the mosque, hinting at the potential for further investigation into the validity of the existing structure. While the Waqf Board asserts that it possesses ownership records from the time when Shimla was part of Punjab, its counsel was unable to provide any concrete evidence of ownership. The counsel further stated that, according to revenue department records, the land belongs to the state government, further complicating the ownership claims.
The controversy has attracted attention from Hindu right bodies, who have staged protests demanding the demolition of the mosque. Kamal Gautam, the Himachal unit president of Hindu Jagran Manch, accused the mosque of being used to shelter 'outsiders', further fueling tensions. In response, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured the public that all residents have equal rights and urged for peaceful protests, reiterating his commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that no one takes the law into their own hands. The ongoing dispute reflects a larger societal concern about the coexistence of different religious communities and the importance of finding peaceful solutions to such controversies.
The court hearing scheduled for October 5, 2023, will play a crucial role in determining the future of the mosque. The court’s decision will not only address the legal aspects of the dispute but also have a significant impact on the socio-political landscape of the area. The peaceful resolution of this dispute, addressing the concerns of all parties, is crucial for maintaining harmony and ensuring the well-being of the community in Shimla.
Source: Shimla: Waqf claims ownership of Sanjauli mosque; court posts hearing on Oct 5