Protests Escalate in Shimla
Tension soared in Shimla as protests erupted over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli area on Wednesday. Demonstrators clashed with police, who responded with water cannons and lathicharge to disperse the crowd. The protests were organized by Hindu groups demanding action against the mosque’s construction.
#WATCH | Shimla Protests | Himachal Pradesh: Clashes continue between protestors and the police at the Sanjauli Market against the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli area pic.twitter.com/BQdkKSOFkS
— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024
Protestors’ Reaction
During the demonstration, protestors managed to breach the initial barricades and clashed with security forces while attempting to enter the Dhalli Tunnel East portal. One protestor criticized the state’s response, accusing the Himachal Pradesh government of using excessive force. “Regarding the illegal construction, we have seen that Himachal Government Minister Anirudh Singh has said that the construction is unauthorized and should be taken down…. ‘Aaj, Himachal Pradesh ke mukhya mantri ne Hindu samaj ke sath khilwad karte hue mahilaon aur Hindu samaj pe lathi-charged kiya’… The Hindu community was on its way to Sanjauli for a peaceful protest but the police of the Sukhu government used lathi-charge upon and dispersed us,” the protestor said.
Police and Government Response
Earlier in the day, protestors, including members of Hindu organizations, gathered in the Dhalli area and marched towards Sanjauli. In response, heavy police presence was deployed at the Dhalli Tunnel East.
Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh addressed the situation, emphasizing the need for peaceful protests and stating that the government would act if the mosque’s construction is found to be illegal. “The situation is very clear. Everyone has the right to protest peacefully and Govt too has said this but there should not arise a situation which would affect the peaceful situation there. So Police have taken preventive measures. Sec 163 has been imposed there and the area has to be turned into a Police camp so that no situation arises which would raise questions on the law and order in the state. As far as the construction of that illegal structure is concerned, the matter is sub-judice, Govt will take a decision after hearing. We have clearly said that if it is found to be illegal, action will definitely be taken and it will be demolished. But that is a step that will be taken once the order of the Municipal Commissioner comes, it will not be right to take action before that,” Vikramaditya Singh said.
Political Reactions
Media advisor to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan accused the BJP of attempting to politicize the issue, stating that the dispute was a matter of law and order rather than a Hindu-Muslim issue. “All the people that have gathered, I know them personally. These 20-25 people are BJP workers and they have contested elections on BJP tickets… The BJP wants to make this a national issue but the reality is that this is not a Hindu-Muslim issue. It is a law and order situation and the law will take its course… The CM has said that any action that needs to be taken related to any unauthorised construction, will be taken… Some people who see a political opportunity in this will not get support… The government has said that they will keep a track record of the people coming from outside, to make sure that there are no bad elements,” Chauhan said.
Opposition Criticism
Leader of Opposition in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Jairam Thakur, criticized the Sukhu government for allegedly delaying action against the mosque’s construction.
