Shimla Mosque Controversy: Tensions Escalate Over Illegal Mosque Construction in Sanjauli Area
A controversy (Shimla Mosque Controversy) related to the illegal mosque built in Sanjauli, a suburb of Himachal Pradesh's capital Shimla, has gained momentum. Himachal Pradesh Minister Aniruddh Singh has also stated in the assembly regarding the matter and now on Thursday, people of Hindu organizations have reached the Chaura Maidan of Shimla for demonstration. On the other hand, a heavy police force has been deployed in the surrounding areas of Sanjauli where the mosque is built. Now a large number of people have gathered on the spot in Sanjauli and demonstrated. Here the people of Hindu organizations took out a fury march from Sanjauli Chowk to Dhali Tunnel.
According to the information, this mosque has been built right next to the market in Sanjauli. Its two floors are illegal. In such a situation, there is a demand to demolish them. There was a demonstration here last Sunday and now the matter has gained momentum. In such a situation, the government has deployed police force within a radius of 5 km in Sanjauli to avoid any kind of untoward incident. Additional battalion was sought by the SP of Shimla Police. Everything was calm here till noon but now the crowd has reached the spot. Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi has also reached the spot.
In Shimla, NGT did not allow the construction of more than two and a half floors. The construction of this mosque continued here during the rule of Congress and BJP but no one took any action. The important thing is that the complaint of the matter is pending with the corporation administration and the matter will be heard on Saturday.
After this entire controversy in Sanjauli, people had closed the shops of people of a particular community. Most of the hawkers in Sanjauli are from a particular community and hence their shops are closed here since Sunday. A teacher living in Sanjauli said that fruits are not available in Sanjauli. All the vendors are not opening the shops out of fear. A youth from Sanjauli said that a lot of police is seen here. However, he said that the situation is calm. However, a large number of people have suddenly gathered here and Hindu organizations have taken out a protest march with the tricolor flag. A large number of police forces have been deployed on the spot.
Now CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has also stated the entire controversy. The CM said that no minister has given a wrong statement. All citizens in the state are equal. All religions are respected in the state and strict action will be taken against anyone who takes the law into their own hands. He said that the Urban Development Minister has also given a statement that whoever comes to Himachal and those who are living here, all are bound by the law. The protest should be peaceful and no one is allowed to break the law.