Protest over Sanjauli Mosque
Shimla: On Wednesday, Hindu organizations and local people protested against illegal construction in the mosque premises in Sanjauli area and during the protest people also clashed with the police. Police tried to stop the protesters by putting up barricades, which people broke and started moving forward. To disperse the crowd of people, police used water cannon and lathicharged. Meanwhile, there was a fierce clash between the protesters and police personnel. The crowd raised slogans like ‘Himachal ne thana hai, Devbhoomi ko bachana hai’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’.
The protest on Wednesday was against the alleged illegal construction of additional floors at a mosque located in Sanjauli, Shimla. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that people have the right to protest, but they should do so peacefully and without damaging public property. The CM had also said that the issue of alleged illegal construction at the Sanjauli mosque is being heard by the local municipal court and the law will take its course.
What is this whole controversy?
With the aim of expanding the mosque built in Sanjauli area, construction work started in its premises after 2007 and in the year 2010, a case was registered against it, calling the mosque illegal. However, in the last 14 years, four new floors were built on the mosque and the mosque became four storeys. The Municipal Corporation heard the matter 44 times, but no solution could be found. Last month, some people claimed that the mosque was being expanded on their land and there was a rift between the two communities over this and a dispute started. The dispute gradually increased so much that this five-storey mosque came into discussion.
Hindu organizations started a massive protest last week at Chaura Maidan near the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly demanding the demolition of the illegal construction of the mosque. The protesters claimed that the four floors of the mosque are illegal and it has been 10 years since the complaint was made, but no action was taken. Along with this demand, there was a demand to demolish this illegal mosque immediately.
The controversy started with the statement of a Congress minister
Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh of the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh also jumped into the controversy and alleged that the mosque in Sanjauli was built illegally and its construction should be investigated. He said, ‘Construction started without approval, it was an illegal structure. First, one floor was built on it, then the rest of the floors were built. It has become difficult for women to walk in Sanjauli market. Thefts are happening, fights are taking place, love jihad is another serious issue that needs attention and it is dangerous for our country and state.
Owaisi took a jibe
Anirudh Singh’s statement was opposed by some MLAs of his own party. Apart from this, Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also expressed surprise at Anirudh Singh’s statement and asked whether BJP or Congress is running the government in Himachal Pradesh? He shared the video of Anirudh Singh’s speech from his X handle and wrote, ‘There is only hatred in Himachal’s love shop! In this video, Himachal’s minister is speaking the language of BJP.’
Vikramaditya Singh said-action will be taken
On the matter of alleged illegal construction of a mosque in Sanjauli area, Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh says, “This matter is pending for a long time. As far as the construction of illegal buildings is concerned, the government has taken cognizance.” I have also firmly said about this in the assembly that as soon as a decision is taken on this, action will be taken within the ambit of the law, if it is found illegal then it will be demolished as per the process of law. We want that an atmosphere of peace should prevail in Himachal Pradesh…”
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