Authorities in Himachal Pradesh’s capital, Shimla, deployed a heavy police presence on Wednesday following a protest call by Hindu organizations against the construction of a five-storey mosque in the densely populated Sanjauli area. The local administration, as a precautionary measure, imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita of 2023, which restricts the assembly of more than five people without permission and prohibits carrying weapons.
Over 1,000 police personnel, including the Quick Response Team, have been stationed in Sanjauli, and all entry points to the city have been barricaded to prevent the arrival of potential troublemakers. The administration has also banned all protests and processions in Sanjauli and surrounding areas until noon to maintain peace.
Hindu organizations have been demanding the demolition of alleged unauthorized constructions at the mosque and the registration of outsiders entering the state. Last week, a massive protest was staged by BJP activists and others, demanding action against the mosque’s structure, which they claim was illegally built by the Waqf Board on occupied land.
Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s court heard the matter on Saturday, focusing on the illegal portion of the mosque, and has scheduled the next hearing for October 5. Rahul Sharma, representing the civic body, stated that the case involves illegal construction and that the Waqf Board has been made a party to the dispute. The Waqf Board, in its reply, asserted ownership of the land and stated that the construction was in accordance with regulations, although it failed to provide the necessary documents authorizing the structure.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said people had a right to peaceful protest but urged citizens to maintain law and order, cautioning against giving the issue a political colour. He appealed to all communities to avoid actions that could harm others.
