Shimla: In the wake of violent clashes over the controversial illegal construction at the Sanjauli mosque, an all-party meeting convened by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday (September 13, 2024) saw political parties in Himachal Pradesh unanimously calling for peace and communal harmony.
The meeting, held at the Secretariat, focused on resolving tensions and addressing the underlying issues that have gripped the state capital Shimla following the unrest.
Call for peace and unity
Political leaders from across the spectrum urged the public to maintain calm and avoid further escalation of the situation. They stressed that communal harmony is vital for the state’s well-being and called for mutual understanding between different communities. CM Sukhu emphasised the need for dialogue, stating, “Himachal Pradesh has always been known for its peaceful coexistence. We cannot let isolated incidents divide us.”
Pratibha Singh, president of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee, echoed these sentiments, urging all communities to work together. “Violence and division are not the answers. We must address the issue through proper channels while ensuring communal harmony is upheld,” she said.
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Randhir Sharma, representing the BJP in place of state president Rajeev Bindal, also called for restraint, underscoring the party’s commitment to maintaining law and order. The general secretaries of Aam Aadmi Party and the CPM also attended the meeting.
Policy for street vendors
In addition to addressing the violence, the meeting also highlighted concerns surrounding street vendors and businesses run by individuals from outside the state without proper verification. There has been growing unrest among locals who feel that unchecked migration and illegal businesses are contributing to socio-economic tensions.
To tackle this, all parties agreed on the necessity of a robust policy for street vendors. A proposal was put forth to form a Vidhan Sabha committee tasked with framing comprehensive guidelines to regulate street vending across the state. This would ensure proper registration, verification of vendors, and measures to avoid conflicts between locals and outsiders.
CM Sukhu proposed that this policy would bring much-needed clarity and fairness, particularly in areas like Shimla, where complaints about unauthorized businesses have been rising. “We need a framework that protects the interests of both locals and those who come here for work, ensuring everyone follows the law,” he added.
Protest over non-verification of migrants
The meeting also addressed the recent protests by locals against individuals from outside Himachal Pradesh running businesses without verification of their backgrounds. The concerns stemmed from allegations that some non-local vendors and shop owners were not adhering to state regulations, leading to economic and social tensions.
Several party leaders acknowledged the validity of these concerns, but emphasised that the situation must be handled without resorting to violence or discrimination. They urged the administration to ensure proper checks and balances are in place while also safeguarding the livelihood of those who follow the legal procedures.
