Police Clash with Protesters in Shimla Over Alleged Illegal Mosque Construction
Police intervened with lathi-charges during a protest against suspected illegal mosque construction in shimla
Police clashed with protesters in Shimla over illegal mosque construction prohibitory orders were enforced to control the situation
On Wednesday, there was a clash between police and protesters in Shimla’s Sanjauli area during a demonstration against the alleged illegal construction of a mosque. The protest, organized by Hindu groups as part of a bandh (a strike), led to tensions even though the state government had imposed restrictions in the area.
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Protesters broke through barriers and entered the Dhalli tunnel, which leads to Sanjauli, where the construction is being disputed. In response, police used lathi-charges to control the crowd. Minister Vikramaditya Singh said that while people have the right to protest peacefully, it is important to keep the situation under control. He explained that Section 163 was put in place, turning the area into a police-controlled zone to prevent any disturbances and ensure law and order.
The question of whether the mosque construction is illegal is still being reviewed by the courts. The government has promised to take action if the construction is found to be unlawful. Singh assured that any illegal structures would be demolished once a decision is reached.
The prohibitory orders were in effect from 7 am to midnight on Wednesday. Under these orders, no groups of more than five people were allowed to gather, and carrying weapons like lathis, daggers, and swords was banned. These measures were meant to prevent further violence.
Earlier, Hindu groups had also held large protests at Chaura Maidan, near the Vidhan Sabha and Sanjauli, demanding action on the mosque issue. In response to the rising tensions and a recent clash between communities on August 30, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that a committee would be set up to create a policy for street vendors. This committee will be either a cabinet sub-committee or a Vidhan Sabha committee. The aim is to ensure that vendors are properly licensed and verified. Sukhu emphasized that both Congress and BJP have a shared duty to maintain communal harmony in the state.
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