After Shimla, protest in Mandi over ‘illegal’ construction of mosque

 Hindu groups demand immediate demolition of structure on Jail Road

MANDI: Tensions have flared in Mandi following an allegedly illegal construction at a mosque on Jail Road. Various Hindu organisations have called for the immediate demolition of the structure, accusing local authorities of ignoring the issue.

The protesters have given the Mandi Municipal Corporation a two-day ultimatum to address their demands, threatening further protests if no action is taken.

A large protest rally was organised in the city on Wednesday, with demonstrators marching through the streets before holding a sit-in outside the Municipal Corporation office. Protesters voiced their discontent through hymns and chants, calling for swift action against the unauthorised construction.

The Hindu groups claim that the mosque is being built illegally on land belonging to the Public Works Department (PWD) and argue that it must be demolished immediately to uphold the law.

Hindu srganisations voice concerns

Gulshan, the district coordinator of the Hindu Jagran Manch, expressed frustration over the inaction of the authorities. He criticised the Municipal Corporation for allegedly turning a blind eye to the issue, despite being fully aware of the construction. “It is alarming that the authorities are allowing this illegal construction to continue,” Gulshan said. “The Municipal Corporation doesn’t allow even a single brick to be laid incorrectly, yet they have taken no action against such a large-scale violation. Why have they ignored this issue for so long?”

Gulshan and other protesters emphasised that their issue is with the illegal construction, not with any religious community. They believe the local government is responsible for ensuring that all construction projects comply with legal requirements, regardless of their purpose.

Local concerns over suspicious developments

Local residents have also raised concerns about other developments in the area. Gopal Kapoor, another prominent figure in the protests, highlighted several suspicious buildings being erected in Mandi’s Tarna neighbourhood.

Kapoor stressed that their protest is not about religion but about the illegal activities of organisations like the Waqf Board, which he accused of attempting to divide the country. He warned that protests would intensify if no action is taken by the authorities within the next 48 hours.

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Municipal Corporation’s response

HS Rana, the Municipal Commissioner of Mandi, addressed the issue, confirming that the mosque had not received a no objection certificate (NOC) from the Public Works Department. According to Rana, a portion of the mosque is being built on PWD land, and the Municipal Corporation has not approved the construction plans. Despite the issuance of a notice to halt construction, the work has continued unabated.

To resolve the situation, the Municipal Corporation has established a five-member committee tasked with investigating the matter. The committee is expected to submit its report within two days, and Rana assured the public that appropriate action would be taken based on the findings. “We are committed to ensuring that all construction follows legal procedures and we will take action accordingly,” he said.