Shimla Mosque Protest Turns Violent Clash

On Wednesday, Shimla witnessed violent clashes between locals and police during a protest against alleged illegal construction inside a mosque complex. To disperse the agitated crowd, the police resorted to baton charges and used water cannons.

Visuals showed protesters toppling police barricades while chanting slogans like “Himachal Ne Thaana Hai, Devbhoomi Ko Bachana Hai.” The protest was organized against the alleged addition of extra floors to a mosque in Shimla’s Sanjauli area. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that while people have the right to protest, they should do so peacefully and within the law.

Minister Rohit Thakur echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “there have never been communal riots in our state. Himachal is known as Devbhoomi. The current situation is normal, and daily life is running smoothly. Protesting is a right, but it must stay within the boundaries of the law.”

CM Sukhu also mentioned that the issue of the alleged illegal construction at the Sanjauli mosque is currently being heard by a local municipal court, and the law will take its due course. SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi stated, “We held meetings with stakeholders and hope the protest remains peaceful.”

Despite prohibitory orders issued on Tuesday due to the escalating tensions, protesters defied the orders and marched against the construction.

Earlier, heavy police presence was observed near the Dhalli tunnel before the protest march, and vehicles were checked at police posts to ensure no untoward incidents occurred.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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