The controversy surrounding the construction of a mosque in Sanjauli, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, has intensified, with tensions escalating both in the local community and within the state’s political corridors. On September 4, a heated debate erupted in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, where the lawmakers engaged in a fiery exchange over the mosque’s construction. The Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC Shimla) has faced criticism for allegedly applying construction codes selectively, adding to the growing discord among leaders of the ruling Congress party and fueling communal tensions in Shimla.
Congress MLA Harish Janartha initiated the discussion by downplaying the tension in Sanjauli, claiming that the mosque had been in existence since before 1960. Janartha alleged that, in 2010, three additional stories were unlawfully constructed on land owned by the Waqf Board. He mentioned that illegal restrooms were dismantled and suggested that not just outsiders, but also local Muslims, were residing in the mosque. Janartha accused certain elements of deliberately inflaming the situation.
Anirudh Singh, the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister in Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s cabinet refuted Janartha’s claims. He questioned the legality of the mosque’s construction, stating, “I am not against any community, but they started work in 2010 without permission. Subsequently, unauthorised construction of 2,500 square feet was completed.” Singh emphasised that a hearing in 2012 did not result in compliance, and by 2019, four more illegal floors had been added. “How was a four-story building constructed by 2019 when the lawsuit was still pending in 2010? Where was the administration sleeping?” he asked.
Singh accused the authorities of ignoring these illegal activities for nearly a decade. He claimed that 6,357 square feet of unauthorised construction had been carried out to date and asserted, “The government of Himachal Pradesh owns the land where the mosque is built. Our administration does not oppose anyone, but I would ask the chief minister to ascertain the origins of every person involved in this. Women now find it challenging to walk in the Sanjauli market; objectionable comments are passed. I have personally witnessed this.” He further called for a thorough investigation, asserting, “They have a habit of engaging in illegal activities. They built a five-story mosque. This entire matter should be investigated.”
Singh also raised concerns over the number of Muslims practising Tehbazari (licensed street vending) in the area, urging that such licenses be granted only to residents of Himachal Pradesh. He reported that there were suspicions about some Bangladeshi nationals and called for verification of their identities. Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh responded by stating that action would be taken once the case was resolved.
“The hearing [on the mosque case] is scheduled for September 7,” Vikramaditya Singh stated. “I want to inform the administration that fourteen years have passed, with 44 hearings so far. They do not even know whose land it is. How can a map be approved on government land? If it belongs to the occupier, then the map should be cancelled first, and action should be taken against illegal construction.”
The minister emphasised the need for patience and tolerance, urging the community to maintain peace. “We must proceed with caution on this issue. We respect everyone’s sentiments and will act justly. The government will take action according to the law. Our state is Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods). Politics should not be played in the name of religion. Let the law take its course,” he added.
The debate was initially sparked by Balbir Verma of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who called for the demolition of the mosque’s four illegal floors and the cessation of all activities below them to respect the sentiments of the local Muslim community. Verma highlighted that the residents of Sanjauli had protested against the unauthorised construction, leading to a large Hindu crowd gathering in Sanjauli on September 1st, demanding the demolition of the unapproved structure.
Anirudh Singh also raised concerns over “love jihad” and reported a rise in thefts and robberies in the Sanjauli market area. “It has become difficult for women to walk in the Sanjauli market, and thefts are occurring. Love jihad is another serious issue that needs attention and is dangerous for our country and state. Fights are taking place. Did our local people start the violence? This too has to be probed. I request that the chief minister verify everyone who comes to Himachal Pradesh for employment,” he asserted.
The tension escalated following an incident on August 30, when 37-year-old businessman Vikram Singh was severely injured during an altercation in the Malyana region. He was attacked with rods and sticks by a group of individuals belonging to the minority community, who also injured four other traders. The perpetrators, including two minors, were promptly arrested by the police. It was reported that the accused sought refuge inside the mosque to evade law enforcement, sparking protests outside the mosque and reinforcing allegations that the structure was illegal. Many local residents and Hindu organisations have called for the mosque’s demolition.
Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi appealed for calm, stating that the case involving the businessman would be treated as attempted murder. He confirmed that a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) had taken over the investigation and that immigrants from other states would need to be registered.
Nearly 500 people from various parts of the city participated in the protest, expressing concerns about the increasing number of migrants from minority communities in Shimla and demanding that the police verify and register these “outsiders.” Senior district administration officials arrived to pacify the protesters and acknowledged that part of the structure on the Waqf Board’s land was “illegal.”
The controversy has also fueled a conflict between Congress MLA Harish Janartha, who supports the mosque, and Anirudh Singh, who aligns with the protesters. Singh’s remarks prompted a heated debate in the assembly, gaining support from BJP lawmakers and highlighting perceived negligence by the Shimla Municipal Corporation in enforcing construction laws.
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