The Dev Bhoomi Sangharsh Samiti has been on a hunger strike for the past ten days demanding the demolition of the Sanjauli mosque in the Shimla suburbs. As their protest continues, the Waqf Board on Friday approached the Himachal Pradesh High Court, challenging a district court order that declared the mosque an unauthorised structure.
On October 30, the district court upheld an earlier order by the Shimla Municipal Commissioner’s Court to demolish the mosque. Following this, members of the Samiti began a hunger strike, asking the administration to immediately seal the shrine and cut its electricity and water supply.
The Waqf Board has now filed a petition in the High Court against the orders of both the municipal commissioner and the district court. The High Court will decide on Monday whether the petition is maintainable.
Earlier, the Waqf Board and the mosque committee had challenged the municipal court’s decision in the district court, but the court upheld the demolition order and directed that the structure be removed by December 30.
On Thursday, the Samiti urged Muslims not to visit the mosque for Friday prayers. Even so, a few devotees came on Friday. Despite the tense atmosphere, the situation remained peaceful. Riyasat Ali, the first to arrive for prayers, said the administration had not stopped anyone from entering. He added that the mosque’s cleric had advised the community to avoid large gatherings until the legal case is settled.
Vijay Sharma, the Samiti’s co-convenor, said members are waiting for a meeting with the administration on November 29 before deciding their next steps. He warned that the agitation would intensify if the talks do not lead to a solution.
“Prayers are being offered in the structure, despite the court declaring it illegal and ordering its demolition, which is very unfortunate,” Sharma said. He accused a few devotees of creating tensions but thanked the larger Muslim community for showing restraint.
