SOLAN: Tension gripped Solan city on Monday when clashes broke out during a protest over the Sanjauli mosque dispute. Some shopkeepers chose to keep their stores open despite a call by the Beopar Mandal for a market shutdown.
This angered the protesters, who shouted slogans, including, “If you want to live in Solan, you will have to say Jai Shri Ram.”
The market shutdown was organised from 9 am to 12 noon in protest against the police lathicharge during a demonstration related to the Sanjauli mosque issue. However, when some traders did not close their shops, the protesters gathered outside and raised slogans. The situation calmed down after the police intervened, and the protesters later held a rally in the market.
The shutdown in Solan was a follow-up to a statewide call by the Himachal Beopar Mandal on Saturday, which had seen little participation from Solan traders due to a lack of communication. As a result, the Solan market remained open on Saturday but closed today.
Meanwhile, a decision regarding the Sanjauli mosque dispute is expected soon. The Sanjauli masjid committee and the Waqf Board have recommended sealing the illegal portion of the mosque, pending a court decision. If the court orders demolition, the mosque committee has agreed to comply.
The dispute began after complaints about illegal construction, which has been ongoing since 2010. The mosque, originally built before 1947, has expanded into a five-storey structure, despite receiving 35 notices from the Municipal Corporation to stop construction.
During a protest on September 11, a clash occurred between police and protesters, with police using mild force and water cannons to control the crowd.
