Lagatar24 Desk
Shimla: Amid mounting tensions and protests over the alleged unauthorized construction at the Sanjauli mosque in Shimla, representatives from the local Muslim community have approached the Municipal Corporation with a proposal to address the controversy. The community has offered to seal or demolish the disputed portion of the mosque if it is found to be illegal.
The offer follows a large protest organized by some Hindu organizations, including the Dev Bhoomi Sangarh Committee, which claimed that the mosque had undergone unauthorized construction. On Wednesday, demonstrations in Shimla turned chaotic, prompting police intervention with lathicharge and water cannons to disperse the crowds.
Shehzaad, the Imam of the Sanjauli mosque, stated that the community wants peace and has voluntarily approached the municipal authorities to resolve the issue. “If the corporation deems any part of the mosque illegal, we are prepared to seal it. If necessary, we will take the responsibility to demolish it ourselves,” he said, emphasizing that the decision was made in the spirit of unity and brotherhood as Himachali residents.
Municipal Commissioner Bhupendra Attri confirmed receiving the community’s application but mentioned that the extent of the unauthorized construction is still under investigation. “They have offered to seal or demolish the illegal part themselves. We are in the process of determining the specifics of the illegal construction,” Attri said.
Members of the Dev Bhoomi Sangarh Committee welcomed the Muslim community’s initiative. Vijay Sharma, a member of the samiti, expressed support, saying, “We appreciate the gesture by the Muslim community. It’s a positive step, and we are ready to stand with them in the larger interest of peace.”
Earlier in the day, a bandh (shutdown) was called by the Shimla Beopar Mandal in protest against the alleged unauthorized construction. Shops in the area remained closed from 10 am to 1 pm in response to the bandh.
The case regarding the alleged illegal construction of additional floors at the mosque is currently being heard by the Shimla Municipal Corporation court.
