Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Thursday called for the arrest of AIMIM Delhi Chief Shoaib Jamai for recording a video inside the allegedly illegally constructed and sealed Sanjauli mosque. He also criticized AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi and his party, asserting that the party is confined to a specific community and frequently makes controversial statements.
“Owaisi leads a party that is confined to one community and often makes provocative remarks. A party leader comes to Shimla, enters a mosque that has been sealed due to allegations of illegal construction, and records a video. He points to another building, claiming it is taller than the mosque. But it’s not about the height of the building; just because another structure is taller doesn’t mean the mosque isn’t illegal,” Thakur said in an interview.
The controversy around the Sanjauli mosque reignited after Shoaib Jamai visited the site and shared a video on social media, alleging discrimination against the mosque compared to other illegal constructions in the area. In his video, Jamai questioned why the mosque had been specifically targeted, asking, “Will the bulldozer be used against all illegal structures, or was the mosque singled out?”
Jamai also provided live footage, claiming to show evidence of illegal structures surrounding the mosque. He argued that the legality of the mosque should be decided by the court and announced plans to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court, highlighting the presence of numerous illegal buildings in Shimla. Jamai emphasized that the law should apply equally to everyone.
Jairam Thakur reiterated his demand for strict action against the AIMIM leader. “I have received information that an FIR has been lodged against him, but an arrest should also be made for such actions, and strict measures should be taken,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Imam of the Sanjauli mosque, Sajid Alam, criticized Jamai for disturbing the peaceful environment of Shimla. “We celebrate festivals and marriages together here. Outsiders don’t understand the culture and harmony we share in this region. This situation arose because people from outside, with no understanding of our way of living, came and created trouble,” Alam stated.