Sanjauli Mosque Dispute: Protest Withdrawn After Administration Agrees to Key Demands

The Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti on Friday called off its protest after the administration reportedly accepted its major demands amid the ongoing dispute over the Sanjauli mosque.

As part of the settlement, the groups had sought the sealing of the disputed mosque, withdrawal of FIRs filed against their members, and disconnection of electricity and drinking water supply to the structure.

A delegation from the Samiti is scheduled to meet Shimla’s Additional District Magistrate (ADM) on 29 November to complete certain legal formalities.

Earlier in the day, members of the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti held a demonstration outside the Sanjauli police station. Several protesters had been on a hunger strike for days and had previously announced a state-wide agitation. Their protest was triggered by FIRs filed against individuals accused of stopping Muslims on their way to the mosque—FIRs that were later declared unlawful by the court.

In response to the rising tensions, security was strengthened in the Sanjauli area.

Later, hundreds of members from different Hindu organisations gathered in Sanjauli, warning that they would not allow people to offer prayers inside the mosque. However, after discussions with the administration, the groups agreed to withdraw their protest.

A brief period of tension arose when demonstrators demanded the immediate disconnection of water and electricity supply to the mosque. Protesters blocked the road and raised slogans, causing temporary inconvenience to the public. They eventually agreed to step back once the administration assured them of due process.

Kamal Gautam, President of the Hindu Raksha Manch, who participated in the protest, said it was unacceptable that people continued offering prayers at the structure even after both the Commissioner’s Court and the District Court had declared it illegal. He added that no action had yet been initiated to demolish the structure, while those raising concerns about it were being booked under FIRs, which “raises serious questions.”

Gautam said the protest had been withdrawn, but an eight-member committee would meet the ADM on 29 November to complete pending legal procedures.

Meanwhile, Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti Co-Convenor Madan Thakur stated that although the indefinite hunger strike had been ended, members would continue a relay hunger strike until concrete administrative action is taken on their demands.

On the other hand, the Sanjauli Mosque Committee officials said they are preparing to challenge the demolition order before the High Court.