Shimla, September 11: Heavy police force has been deployed in Sanjauli, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, in response to local protests over illegal construction at the Sanjauli mosque. Anticipating possible unrest, six battalions of the state police have been deployed in the area since Wednesday morning, including women security officers, who have been on duty since 4:30 am.
The local administration has invoked Section 163 of the Indian Civil Code, which prohibits gathering of more than five people, to maintain law and order. Any kind of protest, including sloganeering, has also been banned. The ban is applicable in a large area stretching from Navbahar Chowk to Dhali tunnel, IGMC to Sanjauli Chowk and Sanjauli-Chalonthi junction. The restrictions will be in place from 7 am to 11:59 pm on Wednesday.
The situation deteriorated further after talks between the district administration and local residents failed. The groups were planning a demonstration on September 11 demanding demolition of illegal constructions at the mosque. Despite efforts by the administration to defuse the situation through secret meetings at the deputy commissioner’s office late Monday night, no solution emerged. Hindu organizations, including the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti and Himachal Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti, are adamant on their demands and insist that the illegal structures be demolished.
Anticipating a demonstration, barricades have been put up around Sanjauli market and roads leading to the mosque. The district police, along with the Quick Response Team (QRT), are prepared to deal with any emergency situation.
Despite the presence of heavy police force and restrictions, the Hindu organizations are going ahead with their plan to hold a protest at 11:00 am. However, the local administration has made it clear that the demonstration will not be allowed as Section 163 is in force.
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
