In Kullu, protests erupted over the Sanjauli Mosque controversy, with demonstrators reciting ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ and expressing frustration about what they view as illegal mosque construction and encroachment. The protesters, who gathered in Akhada Bazar, demanded that the administration address the issue and remove the illegal structure immediately. They emphasized the need for following legal procedures in constructing religious sites, arguing that unauthorized construction disrupts administrative systems. In response, authorities have increased security measures to manage the situation.
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#WATCH | Kullu, Himachal Pradesh: Protestors recite 'Hanuman Chalisa' as they protest over Shimla's Sanjauli mosque row pic.twitter.com/NEXEIG2x1Q
— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2024
Market Closures and Bandh
The Sunni Vyapar Mandal called for a bandh in response to the mosque dispute, leading to market closures in Shimla and Kullu. Local traders, despite facing losses, supported the bandh and urged the administration to resolve the conflict quickly. The bandh has impacted business operations, and Hindu organizations have extended their protests, demanding action against the alleged illegal construction.
Escalation of Protests
Protests have intensified across Himachal Pradesh, with gatherings at the Sanjauli Mosque and similar unrest in Mandi, where the illegal portion of a mosque is being demolished. Hindu organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Hindu Jagran Manch, have called for a state-wide bandh. In response to the escalating tension, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has appealed for peace and highlighted the government’s commitment to maintaining harmony.
Government Response and All-Party Meeting
An all-party meeting was convened by the government in Shimla to address the dispute. Representatives from various political parties agreed on the need to maintain a harmonious atmosphere and proposed the creation of a street vendor policy. Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that the conflict was politically inflamed and stressed the need for lawful conduct and resolution of the issue.
Reactions from BJP and CPIM
BJP MLA Randhir Sharma supported the government’s call for maintaining harmony but urged immediate action if the mosque is found to be illegal. Similarly, CPIM leader Rakesh Singha backed the government’s efforts to restore peace and cautioned against allowing the dispute to become communal, as it could negatively affect the state’s tourism and image.
