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Waqf Board Takes Control: In response to escalating protests, the Waqf Board has taken full control of the Sanjauli Mosque in Shimla, acknowledging that some floors were constructed illegally.
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Removal of Imam and Encroachments: The Waqf Board removed the mosque's Imam and cleared illegal encroachments set up by outsiders. They have also banned outsiders from staying in the mosque.
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Protests Demand Demolition: Protests led by BJP members, Hindu organizations, and residents demand the demolition of the mosque, alleging its construction is illegal.
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Political Debate in Assembly: A heated debate unfolded in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, where Congress leader Anirudh Singh called for an investigation into the mosque's construction. Singh emphasized that any illegal structure, regardless of religious affiliation, should be demolished.
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Another Mosque Controversy in Kasumpti: A second mosque in Shimla's Kasumpti area is also under scrutiny for conducting repair work without necessary permissions, causing tension among residents.
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Authorities' Assurance of Action: The local Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) has assured that a proper review of the mosque's documents will be conducted and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.
Image Source - Hindustan Times
Protests have been escalating in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, against the alleged illegal construction of the Sanjauli Mosque. In this connection, the Waqf Board decided to take stern action on Friday and took full possession of the mosque. The Board has conceded that some floors of the mosque were built without getting the proper sanction. Also, Qutubuddin, the state officer for the Shimla Waqf Board, announced that the Imam deputed to the mosque has been divested of his duties.
Demolition Demands and Protests
Massive protests broke out opposite the Sanjauli Mosque, after which the Board intervened. It was an appeal to demolish what members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, along with different Hindu groups and residents, claimed was an "illegal" mosque. The Board also cleared illegal encroachments that were reportedly set up by people belonging to the Muslim community from outside the state. It banned any outsider from staying at the mosque in order not to let the things get out of their hands.
Heated Debates in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly
The row over the mosque escalated after an intense debate in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly. A minister and senior Congress leader, Anirudh Singh, had asked for a probe into the "illegal" construction of the Sanjauli Mosque due to rising tensions. The remarks brought opposition from his party colleagues.
The Rural Development Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Anirudh Singh, has made it clear that any construction, whether a temple or a mosque, which is illegal, needs to be demolished on grounds of maintaining the rule of law. He faulted the authorities for closing their eyes over the issue for such a long period and asked that the law should be applied uniformly over everyone.
New Mosque Controversy in Shimla's Kasumpti Area
While the controversy rages over the Sanjauli Mosque, another mosque in the Kasumpti area of Shimla has triggered a controversy. The ward councilor, Rachna Sharma, alleged that the mosque carried out the repair work without getting proper sanction from the Waqf Council and the Shimla Municipal Corporation. She said the mosque is running illegally as no Muslim families reside in the vicinity and that every Friday the residents had to face problems due to the gathering.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of the area has assured protesters that due action would be taken after reviewing all the documents about the mosque building.
Inputs by News18 and CNBC
Image Source: Multiple Agencies
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