Shimla Mosque Dispute: Muslim Panel Offers To Raze Unauthorized Structure After Clashes

Representatives of a Muslim welfare committee in Shimla have submitted a memorandum to Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhupender Kumar Attri, requesting the civic body to seal the unauthorised portion of a mosque in Sanjauli.

The committee, which includes the Imam of the mosque, members of the Waqf board, and the mosque management, has offered to demolish the unauthorized section themselves in line with a court order.

The move aims to preserve communal harmony, as the Muslim community in the area has been permanent residents of Himachal Pradesh for decades.

"We have sought permission from the Shimla municipal commissioner to demolish the unauthorized part of the mosque situated in Sanjauli," said Mufti Mohammad Shafi Kasmi, a member of the welfare committee.

The Imam of the mosque emphasized, "There is no pressure on us. We have been living here for decades, and this decision has been taken as a Himachali. We want to stay in peace and brotherhood should prevail."

Commissioner Bhupender Kumar Attri confirmed the receipt of the representation. Members of the Dev Bhoomi Sangarh Committee, who had called for protests against the illegal construction, welcomed the Muslim community's initiative.

"We welcome the move of the Muslim community and would be the first to hug them for taking this initiative in the larger interest," said Vijay Sharma, a member of the committee.

This development follows clashes between protesters and security forces the previous day. Protesters, defying prohibitory orders, demanded the demolition of the illegal structure.

Slogans like "Jai Shri Ram" and "Hindu Ekta Zindabad" were raised as demonstrators gathered at Sabzi Mandi Dhalli and marched toward Sanjauli market.

Despite barricades and warnings, they clashed with the police, resulting in injuries to both protesters and officers.

Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh assured that the government was closely monitoring the situation, stating, "We are in touch with the central leadership and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. I have also spoken to party president Mallikarjun Kharge and in-charge Rajiv Shukla. They are concerned that there should be no deterioration in the law and order situation."

Residents expressed frustration with the administration for not ordering schools to close during the unrest, leaving students stranded.

The clashes have heightened tensions in the area, with efforts now focused on maintaining peace and communal harmony.

(With PTI inputs)