After protests in Shimla & Mandi, mosque dispute fire spreads to Sunni, Chamba
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SHIMLA: The simmering controversy over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in Sanjauli, a Shimla suburb, has now ignited protests in multiple regions of Himachal Pradesh, with the unrest spreading to Sunni, Mandi, Kullu and Chamba. What began as a localised dispute over a mosque in Shimla’s Sanjauli area has escalated into statewide protests, with Hindu organisations demanding action against the illegal structure and an inquiry into the growing presence of migrants in these areas.
Sunni, a town in Shimla (rural) Assembly constituency, became the latest flashpoint as hundreds of protesters gathered in the local market on Saturday (September 14, 2024). Chanting slogans against “outsiders” and accusing migrants of contributing to demographic changes, the protesters called for the immediate removal of the mosque and a comprehensive investigation into the influx of migrant workers in the region.
Also Read : https://thenewzradar.com/after-sanjauli-mosque-violence-himachal-all-party-meeting-resolves-to-maintain-communal-harmony/
Tight security around Sunni mosque
Shops across Sunni were shut in response to the unrest, and a heavy police deployment was seen guarding key locations, particularly the Sunni mosque. All access points leading to the mosque were blocked by barricades, and additional forces from nearby battalions were brought in to maintain order. Despite the protest being organized without official permission, the police have ramped up security to prevent any incidents of violence.
Local authorities, led by ADM (Law and Order) Ajit Bhardwaj, emphasised that the situation was being closely monitored, with magistrates deployed to ensure law and order. “We are fully prepared to manage the situation and have increased security to safeguard sensitive areas,” Bhardwaj stated.
Statewide bandh, widening protests
The protests in Sunni follow similar unrest in Mandi and Shimla, where traders closed markets in solidarity with the demands of the protesters. The dispute has also spread to Chamba, where Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other Hindu organisations called for a three-hour bandh, resulting in the complete closure of local markets. In Sunni, the situation remains tense, with shopkeepers joining the strike in support of the protests.
Kamal Gautam, a former office-bearer of the Hindu Jagran Manch, has called for a statewide bandh in response to a police lathicharge on protesters in Sanjauli. He accused the government of failing to address the concerns of the Hindu community. “The administration has been silent on the illegal construction of the mosque in Sanjauli and now they are resorting to force against peaceful demonstrators,” Gautam stated.
