Protests against illegal mosque construction intensify in Sanjauli, police on high alert

Shimla, 05 September: Protests have intensified in Shimla’s Sanjauli on Thursday after local residents took out a rally against the illegal construction of a mosque in the area. A large number of people joined the protest, due to which a heavy police force was deployed to maintain order and prevent any untoward incident.

The protest began at Sanjauli Chowk around noon, with the protesters marching towards the Dhali tunnel and then returning to Sanjauli Chowk. The crowd, raising slogans against the unauthorised construction, demanded immediate action from the authorities. The protest caused a lot of traffic disruption, especially when the protesters again gathered at Sanjauli Chowk, blocking the road. A significant number of women also participated in the protest, further fuelling the demand for action.

The residents have issued a two-day ultimatum to the administration, demanding the demolition of the illegal structure. They have decided to wait for the decision of the Municipal Commissioner Court, which is expected to come on Saturday. However, they warned that they will stage a bigger protest if no action is taken.

Also read: Illegal mosque in Sanjauli exposes lapses in monitoring by MC Shimla, minister condemns inaction

In another similar action, the Devbhoomi Kshatriya Sangathan Savarna Morcha also staged a protest at Chaura Maidan and raised similar concerns. The state president of the organisation, Rumit Thakur, demanded immediate demolition of the illegal structure. He also urged the government to enforce registration of migrants entering Himachal Pradesh and take strict action against hawkers illegally setting up shops on roads.

With tension mounting in the city, the local administration is keeping a close watch on the situation and the police are on high alert. The outcome of the court’s verdict on Saturday is expected to be crucial for both the protesters and the authorities in deciding the next steps.

Earlier yesterday, the issue of the construction of the illegal mosque remained a topic of discussion in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, where it was debated fiercely. Concerns were raised about the selective enforcement of building laws by the Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC Shimla). Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh rejected the claim that the mosque was constructed in the 1950s, revealing that unauthorized construction began in 2010 and continued for nearly a decade without any intervention from MC Shimla.