Shimla, Kangra, Solan, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur witnessed subsequent protests following Sanjauli unrest
Between September 11 and December 31, 2024, Himachal Pradesh witnessed at least 21 protests demanding the demolition of allegedly unauthorized mosques, which led to the deployment of approximately 2,360 police personnel.
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The unrest traces back to September 11, 2024, when tensions escalated in Sanjauli, a locality in Shimla, over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque. (File Photo)Between September 11 and December 31, 2024, Himachal Pradesh witnessed at least 21 protests demanding the demolition of allegedly unauthorized mosques. These demonstrations led to the deployment of approximately 2,360 police personnel across the state to maintain law and order. Six police personnel, including two women constables, sustained injuries during these events. Authorities registered 12 FIRs and arrested 97 individuals in connection with the protests, according to multiple responses to a Right to Information (RTI) request filed by The Indian Express.
The Sanjauli Incident
The unrest traces back to September 11, 2024, when tensions escalated in Sanjauli, a locality in Shimla, over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque. Originally a single-story structure dating back to 1947, the mosque had reportedly expanded to five stories over the years without proper authorization. This expansion became a point of contention among local residents and Hindu organizations, who demanded its demolition. On September 11, a protest in Sanjauli turned violent, resulting in clashes between demonstrators and police forces. The police resorted to lathi-charge and used water cannons to disperse the crowd. Following the incident, the mosque committee offered to demolish the unauthorized portions of the structure themselves.
On September 11, a protest in Sanjauli turned violent, resulting in clashes between demonstrators and police forces. (Express File Photo)
Spread of Protests Across the State
The Sanjauli incident acted as a catalyst, igniting similar protests in other districts:
• Shimla: 10 protests, with 1,450 police personnel deployed.
• Kangra: 3 protests.
• Bilaspur: 2 protests.
• Solan: 2 protests.
• Kullu: 2 protests.
• Mandi: 1 protest.
• Hamirpur: 1 protest.
These demonstrations were primarily organized by right-wing groups under banners such as ‘Akrosh Rally,’ ‘Dharna/Pradarshan,’ and ‘Hindu Jan Chetna.’ Organizations like Dev Bhoomi Sangarsh Samiti, Dev Bhoomi Kshatriya Sangathan, Swaran Morcha, and Civil Society Sanjauli led the protests.
Legal Actions and Arrests
Authorities registered 12 FIRs under various sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including:
• Section 196(1) & 196(2): Promoting enmity between different groups.
• Section 189: Unlawful assembly.
• Section 126(2): Wrongful restraint.
• Section 61(2): Criminal conspiracy.
• Section 353(2): Making and circulating false statements.
• Section 223: Disobedience of government orders.
• Section 132: Using criminal force against a police officer.
Out of the 97 individuals arrested, 92 were from Shimla, the epicenter of the protests. The remaining five arrests occurred in Solan. All arrested individuals were released on bail, with sureties of Rs 5,000 each.
Statewide Impact of Sanjauli Mosque Protests:
| District | Protests | Police Deployed | Injuries | FIRs | Arrests |
| Shimla | 10 | 1,450 | 6 | 10 | 92 |
| Kangra | 3 | 180 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bilaspur | 2 | 190 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Solan | 2 | 210 | 0 | 2 | 5 |
| Kullu | 2 | 95 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mandi | 1 | 170 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hamirpur | 1 | 71 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Community and Legal Responses
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) offered legal assistance to those named in the FIRs. However, Advocate Veer Bahadur Verma, state coordinator of the VHP legal cell, noted that few individuals sought their help. He stated that people from various sections of society participated in the protests, and none of the organization’s members were arrested.
Mohammed Latif, president of the Sanjauli Mosque Committee, emphasized that the mosque stands on Waqf Board land and that the disputed structure is under judicial consideration. He mentioned that unauthorized portions have already been demolished and that there is no ongoing tension.
In response to the unrest, several Muslim organizations, including the All Himachal Muslim Organization, approached courts seeking a status quo on certain mosques facing demolition threats. Former Shimla mayor and activist Tikender Panwar filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court, calling for efforts to maintain peace and harmony. The PIL remains pending.
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