In Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Hindu organizations have been protesting against the illegal construction of a mosque. On Friday, a hearing was held in the Municipal Corporation regarding this construction. The Municipal Corporation stated that the illegal structure built without permission needs to be demolished.
The Municipal Corporation has provided the mosque committee with a 30-day ultimatum. They have been sternly instructed to either demolish the illegal structure themselves or face administrative action. The mosque committee must either remove the illegal structure or appeal against the corporation's order within 30 days.
It's worth noting that various Hindu organizations rallied against the illegal mosque construction on Friday. In response, the police used water cannons to disperse the protesters. Following this intense commotion, Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgan declared that action would be taken against the illegal construction, and the mosque would be sealed off.
Source: aajtak
He stated that the mosque lacked necessary permissions under TCP, prompting the department to cut off its electricity and water supply. The mosque is yet to be sealed; at present, the Municipal Corporation is handling the proceedings. The mosque land is recorded under the mosque's name, although some encroachment occurred on PWD land, which was demolished after demarcation.
What Did CM Sukhu Say about the Mosque Dispute?
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu remarked that illegal construction issues have surfaced in Mandi. A committee will be formed concerning the mosque dispute. Himachal is a peaceful state that respects all religions, and no harm will come to any religion or caste. The government will act according to the law, and illegal construction will not be tolerated. Actions will be taken strictly within the legal framework.
CM Sukhu mentioned that the government is keen to form a committee to address street vendor issues and resolve local disputes. Such committees will be useful as people from outside often engage in unauthorized constructions, causing problems for locals. Protests are common in Himachal Pradesh, and the government will address the Shimla mosque case accordingly, following the law.
Similar Protest in Shimla
In Shimla's Sanjauli area, there was a protest against illegal construction within a mosque compound. During the protest, there were clashes between protestors and police. Marching towards the mosque, the protestors chanted slogans like 'Himachal has decided, to protect the land of gods' and 'Victory to Mother India.' The police tried to stop them with barricades, which were broken by the protestors, prompting the police to use water cannons and batons to disperse the crowd.
