Hindu organisations have called for a protest on Wednesday, September 11, at 11 AM, in Shimla over the ongoing controversy surrounding an illegal mosque construction in the Sanjauli area. The organisations have been demanding the demolition of what they claim is an unauthorised structure.
In response to the anticipated protests, a substantial police force has been deployed around the mosque and throughout the Sanjauli area. Surveillance measures, including drone monitoring, have been put in place, and movement near the Dhalli Tunnel has been temporarily restricted to ensure safety and order.
District Commissioner (DC) Anupam Kashyap has imposed Section 163 of the Himachal Pradesh Police Act in Sanjauli, which prohibits the gathering of five or more people or the carrying of weapons from 7 AM to 11:59 PM on September 11. To reinforce these measures and maintain public order, a police flag march was conducted in Sanjauli on the night of September 10.
In a public statement, DC Anupam Kashyap assured, “Normal life in Sanjauli will continue without any disruption. Government and private offices, schools, and markets will remain completely open. No one will be allowed to stage any protests, and the use of loudspeakers is strictly prohibited.”
The mosque at the centre of the controversy has a long history, reportedly dating back to before 1947, when it was a temporary structure. In 2010, the construction of a permanent building began, which triggered complaints about illegal construction from local residents. Since then, the matter has been under litigation in the Municipal Corporation’s court. Despite the legal proceedings, a five-story structure had been completed by 2024.
Over the years, the Municipal Corporation has issued 35 orders to halt further illegal construction, according to official records. In 2023, the Corporation took action by demolishing the mosque’s toilets, which escalated tensions in the area. Hindu organisations were particularly incensed by an alleged assault incident, which led them to stage protests in Sanjauli on September 1 and Chaura Maidan on September 5.
The 45th hearing on the case was held in the Municipal Commissioner’s court on September 7, where the Waqf Board submitted ownership documents to assert its claim over the mosque. The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 5 and directed the concerned Junior Engineer (JE) to submit a fresh status report on the disputed construction.
Imam Shahzad of the mosque defended the construction, stating that the mosque existed before 1947 as a temporary two-story building. “Initially, the mosque was temporary, and people used to pray outside, which caused difficulties. Seeing this, people collected donations, and the construction of the mosque began,” he explained. The land, he said, belongs to the Waqf Board, which is fighting the legal battle over the mosque’s two floors. “The court’s decision will be accepted by all parties,” he added.
Amid escalating tensions, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu made it clear that law and order will be maintained at all costs. “The administration is monitoring every development closely,” he said. “There is no restriction on peaceful protests. We respect all communities, but no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands. Politicising the matter is not appropriate.”
The Chief Minister also mentioned that a committee has been formed in the state assembly to establish parameters for street vendors. “Any action regarding the mosque will be taken in accordance with the law,” he added, emphasising that peace and harmony must be upheld in the region.
The controversy over the mosque in Sanjauli has been simmering for years, with the matter becoming more contentious following the recent construction activities. While Hindu organisations have accused the mosque management of flouting construction norms, the Waqf Board maintains that the building stands on its legally owned land and has been present since before Indian independence. The outcome of the upcoming court hearing is expected to play a crucial role in determining the future course of action in this prolonged dispute.
The situation remains tense but under control, as authorities continue to enforce strict measures to prevent any outbreak of violence or disruption of public order. All eyes are now on the next hearing scheduled for October 5, which may offer some resolution to the long-standing conflict.
