Protesters, including members of Hindu organisations, took to the streets in Shimla’s Dhalli area on Wednesday, opposing what they claim is the illegal construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli area. Demonstrators, waving the national flag and chanting slogans such as “Himachal Ne Thana Hai, Devbhoomi Ko Bachana Hai,” demanded action against the alleged unauthorised construction.
At the heart of the dispute is a five-story mosque in the Sanjauli area, which some Hindu organizations claim was constructed illegally. The controversy has its roots in accusations that the mosque’s expansion from a single floor to five stories was carried out without proper authorization. Protesters argue that such unauthorized constructions threaten the local demographic balance and have called for an investigation into the backgrounds of local Muslims, suspecting that some may be illegal immigrants from Myanmar or Bangladesh. The Shimla Municipal Corporation claims that the mosque has been built on government land, and the Waqf Board has failed to provide ownership rights to the shrine. The Waqf Board, however, asserts that the land belongs to it and the extended construction was carried out in line with the rules. The court has asked the Waqf Board and the mosque committee to explain how the original single-floor mosque expanded into a five-story structure.
The Waqf Board, in its submission to a Shimla court, asserted ownership of the Sanjauli Mosque, clarifying that the dispute revolves around its further development. The Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s court has scheduled the next hearing for October 5. Residents have long demanded the demolition of the structure, which they claim was built without proper authorisation.
The dispute dates back to 2010 when a case was registered regarding the raising of illegal construction in the mosque. Since then, four floors have been added to the single-story structure, with the extended construction taking place under successive governments.
Local figures, such as Maulvi Shahzad Imam, have defended the mosque, stating that its original construction dates back to 1947 and that the additional floors were built after 2010. Imam claims that the legal dispute over the property has been ongoing for 14 years, with the mosque expanding under successive governments.
The controversy was further inflamed following an attack on a businessman by Muslim youths in the nearby Malyana area. This incident has contributed to rising communal tensions, sparking further protests.
Jairam Thakur, Leader of the Opposition in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, criticised the Sukhu-led state government for delaying action on the mosque’s construction. Thakur urged the government to respect the sentiments of local Hindus and resolve the issue swiftly, calling for peaceful protests within the bounds of the law.
He added, “Himachal Pradesh is known for its peaceful coexistence, but this situation could have been avoided with timely government intervention.”
In response to the protests, heavy police forces were deployed in the Dhalli area to maintain order. Police inspected vehicles near the protest site to prevent any escalations during the demonstration. Despite the protests, no major incidents were reported.
