TNR Desk
SHIMLA: In the aftermath of the Sanjauli mosque flare-up, Himachal Pradesh’s Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh has announced that strict action would be taken against illegal mosques and other unauthorised buildings across the state.
Vikramaditya emphasised that the government would not tolerate any form of illegal construction, whether religious or otherwise, that violated the state’s regulations. The government has shifted into “action mode” following public outcry over the Sanjauli incident and Vikramaditya has made it clear that the law would be applied uniformly to curb any kind of illegal construction.
Action to be taken within law’s ambit
“The government will act within the ambit of the law on any illegal construction of mosques or other buildings in Himachal,” Vikramaditya stated. He referred to recent incidents, including the construction of an illegal mosque on Public Works Department (PWD) land in Mandi, which was voluntarily demolished by the local Muslim community. Vikramaditya assured that any similar violations would face legal consequences, emphasizing that no unauthorised structures would be spared.
Crackdown on illegal constructions
The flare-up over the Sanjauli mosque has sparked broader concerns about the proliferation of illegal buildings throughout the state. The government, keen to uphold legal and urban planning standards, is now preparing to take a hard stance. Vikramaditya’s remarks highlight that action would be taken across Himachal Pradesh wherever such illegal constructions have taken place, including religious sites.
Vikramaditya also provided historical context, noting that during the Congress-led government of Virbhadra Singh in 2005, laws regulating religious conversions were introduced and crores of rupees were allocated for the construction and renovation of temples. “This is recorded in the pages of history,” he said, underscoring the state’s commitment to religious harmony and legal integrity.
Peaceful resolution through dialogue
In his statement, Vikramaditya emphasised that Himachal Pradesh had always been a peace-loving state where mutual respect between communities is paramount. He urged that cases of illegal constructions should be addressed from an administrative perspective rather than a political one. “We respect everyone here, and our government will take all necessary steps within the framework of the law,” he reiterated, assuring that any illegal construction — be it houses, mosques or other buildings — would be dealt with appropriately.
