Shimla, September 12: In a major revelation, Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh have exposed the financial involvement of the previous BJP government in the construction of an unauthorized mosque in Sanjauli area of Shimla. Addressing a joint press conference, the ministers revealed that during the BJP rule, Rs 2 lakh was provided to the mosque authorities under the scheme head VKV/2019/774. Apart from this, another huge amount of lakhs was released for it.
The revelation comes amid growing protests led by local residents and right-wing activists, including members of the Hindu Jagran Manch, who are demanding demolition of the illegally extended structure of the mosque. The ministers stressed that despite the continuing unrest, the Sanjauli Masjid Committee, headed by chairman Mohammad Latif and Waqf Board member Maulana Shehzad, have voluntarily agreed to seal or demolish the concerned unauthorised structure. The committee has submitted a formal letter to the Shimla Municipal Corporation, stating their willingness to comply with the court orders in public interest.
During the conference, Anirudh Singh highlighted that the illegal extension of the mosque took place during the Covid-19 lockdown, when the BJP was in power. “It is important to note that the structure of the mosque was erected in an unauthorised manner, but the BJP government not only permitted it but also provided financial assistance,” Singh remarked. He said that some groups are now trying to communalise the issue for their vested interests.
Supporting the claim, Vikramaditya Singh stressed that Himachal Pradesh has always been a peaceful state, and the government will not allow anyone to disturb its communal harmony. “Himachal is known for its peace and brotherhood. No one will be allowed to spread unrest or chaos,” he said. He appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
The ministers further informed that a policy on street vendors and migrants is in the pipeline. The policy will focus on verifying the background of migrants working in the state as labourers, domestic helpers or street vendors. Anirudh Singh informed that the state government is also considering creating separate vending zones for street vendors to protect their rights to conduct business while maintaining order.
In a significant move, the ministers welcomed the decision of the mosque committee to voluntarily demolish the disputed structure. “This act of cooperation will help maintain ‘aapasi bhaichara’ (brotherhood) in the state,” Anirudh Singh said. He also said that the ongoing unrest was initially precipitated by a clash between two communities in Malayana, where six Muslim youths were detained. He said that the incident was given a communal angle by some political organizations.
Vikramaditya Singh took a tough stand and said that the role of municipal officials who monitored illegal constructions during the BJP rule will be investigated. “How this unauthorised structure was allowed to come up during the previous government while the officials turned a blind eye to it is a matter of grave concern. Those responsible will be held accountable,” he said.
The ministers reiterated that the matter pertaining to the unauthorised mosque structure is legal but has been fanned due to political interests. They also reminded people that Himachal Pradesh was the first state to enact a law on religious conversions during the Congress rule, which ensured communal peace and integrity.
The Himachal government assured that they are committed to maintaining the peaceful atmosphere of the state and urged all residents to maintain restraint till the court takes a final decision on the demolition of the illegal structure.
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