New Delhi: There’s palpable tension in Shimla’s Sanjauli after a controversy erupted over a mosque recently. A clash broke out between youths of two communities, and now, some Hindu organisations are demanding the demolition of the mosque. There are allegations that it has been built illegally. Even though the mosque has existed before 1947, two floors have been built in it without permission.
The Hindu organisations are adamant about their demand to demolish the mosque in Sanjauli. A Congress minister has also raised the demand to raze the mosque. Four days ago, Hindu organisations took out a rally, in which three Congress councillors of Shimla Municipal Corporation also participated and staged a sit-in outside the mosque. They demanded the demolition of the construction carried out in the mosque. Shops of people hailing from Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur were also closed down in the city.
Congress minister demands mosque demolition
This issue was reached the state assembly. A minister from Congress raised the demand to demolish the mosque. Anirudh Singh, a minister in the Congress government, demanded to demolish the mosque and also said that there’s a need to keep tabs on the people of the Muslim community coming from outside and pointed out that any Bangladeshi Rohingya, Pakistani or a terrorist can come here without any hindrance.
Panchayati Raj Minister Aniruddh Singh said that this is not a matter concerning any religious site; it is a matter of authorised and unauthorised construction. He claimed the illegal construction started in 2010, adding that earlier, there used to be a shop here. “Notices were issued several times in this matter but the construction done here has reached 6,750 square feet. This land belongs to the Himachal Pradesh government. No one can build any structure like this on government land,” he pointed out.
The row is raging over how did the map get passed. Allegations have been made that the Shimla Municipal Corporation is at fault in this matter. Members of various organisations have also met the Chief Minister in this connection. Aniruddh Singh said that Tehbazari rules should be strictly implemented.
‘Do not disturb peace of Shimla’
Shimla city’s Congress MLA Harish Janartha said that the dispute arose because of a clash between two groups. It took place in Malyana area. “This issue is being blown out of proportions. Police was instructed before filing an FIR in this fight. The matter was given a Hindu and Muslim community clash which is absolutely wrong. Shimla is a peaceful place and its peace should not be disturbed,” he pointed out. He said that those who are talking about illegal mosque must know that it has existed even before 1950.
The case of illegal construction will be heard on Saturday. The Waqf Board is fighting the case, which has been going on since 2009. Janartha said it is not right to speak about any religious community in the matter. “The matter is in the court and it will give its decision on it. Shops cannot be closed on someone’s directions. The Chief Minister himself has taken cognisance of the matter,” he added.
Imam of the mosque, Shahzad, said that the mosque dates back to even before 1947 and it is a mosque of the Waqf Board.