Hindu Outrage: Thousands Protest ‘Unauthorised’ Mosque in Shimla.

Himachal Pradesh: Hindu right bodies stage mass protest in Shimla over ‘illegal’ mosque.

Demanding demolition of the mosque, protestors carried saffron flags and banners bearing Lord Ram’s image.

Sumita Saxena | HENB | Shimla | Sept 5, 2024:: On Thursday, Hindu right-wing groups organized a large-scale protest at Chaura Maidan, near the Vidhan Sabha, demanding the removal of an allegedly illegal mosque in Sanjauli. The area was packed with hundreds of protesters, many of whom displayed Hindu symbols, including saffron flags and banners featuring Lord Ram’s image.

Rumit Singh Thakur, president of Dev Bhumi Shatriya Sangathan, who called for a gathering of ‘sanatanis’ in Shimla, said that people from all over the state responded to his call, showcasing ‘Sanatan unity’ through their collective presence.

The protest on Thursday was sparked by an attack on a businessman in Malyana on August 30, allegedly by individuals from the Muslim community. In response, demonstrators gathered in Sanjauli on Sunday, calling for the mosque’s demolition and demanding attempted murder charges against those responsible for the Malyana incident.

Rumit Singh Thakur, on Thursday, expressed concern about the influx of outsiders into Himachal Pradesh and urged the government to verify their identities and register their occupations. He claimed that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had assured him of action on this issue during a phone call the previous day. However, Sukhu, speaking to reporters on Thursday, emphasized that all state residents have equal rights and reiterated his respect for all religions.

Read also:  Minister In Congress Govt Calls For Probe Into ‘Illegal Mosque’, Faces Backlash Within Party

While emphasizing that peaceful protests are allowed, the authorities warned against vigilantism. Meanwhile, Minister Anirudh Singh clarified that the disputed mosque stands on government land and its status has been under judicial review for 14 years, pending a court decision.

Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh vowed to crack down on encroachers, stating that no one is above the law. He assured that any action taken would be within the bounds of the law, whether by the municipal corporation or police.
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__Inputs from PTI & ABP Live.