Shimla mosque controversy: Protesters defy prohibitory orders in Sanjauli, reach disputed site

SHIMLA: Protesters opposing illegal construction at a mosque in Sanjauli, a suburb in Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla, breached prohibitory orders on Wednesday (September 11, 2024) and reached near the site of the shrine in large numbers, leading to escalation in tensions.

Despite Section 163 being enforced from 7 am to midnight to prevent gatherings, a large crowd, primarily led by members of Hindu organisations, defied the restrictions and marched towards the disputed site.

Police attempt to disperse crowd fails

The protest, spearheaded by former Hindu Jagran Manch general secretary Kamal Gautam, began at Dhalli vegetable market, where over 200 demonstrators assembled, chanting slogans and preparing to move towards Sanjauli. As the group advanced, the police stationed at Sanjauli Chowk attempted to disperse them, but many managed to push forward, forcing authorities to increase security measures.

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Hindu outfit leader detained

Both Dhalli tunnels were closed to control the movement of people and vehicles as protestors raised slogans against the district administration and the alleged illegal mosque construction. Police were forced to take strong measures to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control, eventually detaining Gautam and several of his supporters.

Gautam, before his detention, accused the government of stifling Hindu voices, claiming that the growing number of unauthorised constructions, particularly those tied to the mosque, was an attack on the region’s cultural integrity. He vowed that the protests would continue until action was taken.

Civil society activists join protest

Adding to the unrest, members of civil society joined the protests, raising concerns about demographic changes due to an alleged influx of migrants in the region. Protestors from neighboring districts such as Solan and Bilaspur also converged on the site, leading to further clashes with the police, who were on high alert to prevent any violence.

Shops in Sanjauli remained closed as a precaution and traffic on nearby roads, including Navbahar Road, came to a standstill due to barricades and the growing number of protesters.

Local MLA appeals for calm

Shimla MLA Harish Janartha urged for calm, emphasising that the matter was under judicial scrutiny and all sides must respect the legal process. “Shimla’s identity as a peaceful and tourism-friendly destination must not be jeopardised,” Janartha said. He called on the state government to intervene swiftly to resolve the controversy before it could further escalate.

While the situation remains under control for now, the defiance of the prohibitory orders and the mass gathering of protesters pose a challenge for the authorities as tensions in the region continue to rise.