The controversy surrounding the Sanjauli Mosque in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh shows no signs of abating. Protests against the mosque, labelled as illegal, have continued for several days, creating a tense atmosphere in the area. Amid this turmoil, the Muslim Welfare Committee, on Thursday, urged the municipal commissioner to seal the unauthorized section of the mosque and volunteered to demolish it in accordance with court orders. This committee includes the mosque's imam, the Waqf board, and other mosque management committee members.
A delegation from the committee handed a memorandum to Municipal Commissioner Bhupender Atri, stating that the Muslims residing in the area are permanent residents of Himachal Pradesh and that this step is being taken to maintain harmony and brotherhood. Committee member Mufti Mohammad Shafi Qasmi stated, "We have sought permission from the Shimla Municipal Commissioner to demolish the unauthorized section of the mosque located in Sanjauli."
According to PTI, the imam of the Sanjauli Mosque said, "We are not under any pressure; we have been living here for decades, and this decision is made in the capacity of being a Himachali. We want to live peacefully and maintain brotherhood."
Source: aajtak
Municipal Commissioner Bhupender Atri confirmed receiving the memorandum.
On the other hand, members of the Dev Bhoomi Struggle Committee, who called for protests against the unauthorized construction within the mosque, welcomed this move. Committee member Vijay Sharma said, "We welcome this step by the Muslim community and are pleased to greet them for taking this initiative in the larger interest."
It is noteworthy that on Wednesday, Hindu organizations calling for the demolition of disputed structures within the mosque and the registration of outsiders coming to the state had called for a shutdown of Sanjauli. The issue of unauthorized or illegal construction of several floors within the mosque is under hearing in the Municipal Corporation court. Last Thursday, Hindu groups had organized massive protests in front of the assembly and at Chaura Maidan near Sanjauli to press for their demands.
What is the Sanjauli Mosque Controversy?
Construction work began within the mosque's premises in 2007 to expand it. In 2010, a case was registered against the mosque, labelling it as illegal. However, over the past 14 years, four new floors were added to the mosque. The Municipal Corporation has conducted 44 hearings in this matter, but no resolution has been reached. Last month, a group of people claimed that the mosque was encroaching on their land, leading to a conflict between the two communities. This controversy has made the five-story mosque a focal point of local and political discussions.
