How crisis over Shimla mosque controversy deepened and did minister’s statement add fuel to fire?
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The ongoing dispute over the construction of a mosque in Sanjauli, a suburb in Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla, has intensified with protests from Hindu organisations growing more heated by the day. On Wednesday (September 11, 2024), the situation spiralled out of control, forcing the police to resort to a lathi charge to disperse a crowd of hundreds.
The Hindu groups have been rallying against what they claim is the illegal construction of a five-storey mosque, demanding its demolition. Despite the imposition of Section 163, prohibiting large gatherings in the area, protesters have taken to the streets, raising slogans and blocking roads.
The conflict, which began as a local issue, has now drawn nationwide attention, threatening to disrupt the peace of Himachal Pradesh’s capital city.
Quarrel between 2 groups the trigger?
The controversy first erupted following a violent altercation in the Malyana area of Shimla where six youths from one community reportedly assaulted a local trader from another community.
According to reports, the victim sustained serious injuries and later filed a police complaint. What fuelled the situation further was his claim that the attackers had fled to the nearby Sanjauli mosque to hide. This allegation sparked outrage among Hindu groups, who started protesting, calling the mosque illegal and demanding its demolition.
The tension gradually escalated into larger protests, with Hindu organizations accusing the mosque of being constructed on government land and claiming that no proper approval was ever obtained for the building. Their anger culminated in the protests that have shaken Shimla for the past few days, with many protesters blocking roads and clashing with police.
Also Read: https://thenewzradar.com/shimla-mosque-controversy-protest-turns-violent-as-police-rain-lathis-cop-among-several-injured/
Minister raises issue in Assembly
The issue was further amplified when Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Minister Anirudh Singh spoke in the Assembly, claiming that the mosque was built illegally on government land. He expressed deep concerns about the growing influence of outsiders in Shimla, warning that the arrival of individuals from other states, including Rohingyas, was contributing to the deterioration of law and order in the region.
He also touched on sensitive issues such as “love jihad”, adding to the already volatile atmosphere. His remarks in the Assembly fuelled further protests, with demonstrators accusing the government of neglecting the issue for too long. Anirudh later appealed for calm, but the communal fire had spread by then.
Long-standing legal battle
The Sanjauli mosque has been embroiled in legal disputes for more than a decade. The case, which has been ongoing in the Shimla Municipal Corporation court since 2010, has seen little progress despite multiple notices regarding the illegal construction. According to protesters, four to five floors of the mosque were built unlawfully during this period, without any serious intervention from the authorities.
Repeated notices were issued, but the construction continued, leading to the current standoff. Many protesters argue that the government and local authorities have failed to act on the issue, allowing tensions to reach a boiling point.
Also Read: https://thenewzradar.com/shimla-mosque-controversy-protesters-defy-prohibitory-orders-in-sanjauli-reach-disputed-site/
Protests turn violent
The situation escalated dramatically on Wednesday when hundreds of protesters gathered in Sanjauli, demanding immediate action from the government. Despite prohibitory orders in place, the crowd swelled, leading to clashes with the police. When the protesters breached barricades and attempted to march towards the mosque, the police resorted to lathicharge, resulting in injuries to both protesters and police personnel.
Local leaders and civil society activists have expressed concern about the growing unrest, warning that the dispute could lead to further communal tensions if not resolved swiftly. While some Hindu organisations continue to push for the mosque’s demolition, others are calling for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
Political and social Implications
The deepening mosque controversy has created political ripples in Himachal Pradesh, with the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government facing criticism from both sides. Hindu groups accuse the government of turning a blind eye to the issue, while opposition leaders have condemned the communal overtones of the protests.
The ongoing protests, combined with Minister Anirudh Singh’s comments, have also sparked a national debate, with some accusing the Congress government of failing to maintain communal harmony. Muslim organisations have urged the government to ensure the safety of their religious sites, while also calling for an impartial investigation into the legality of the mosque’s construction.
