Thousands throng Shimla’s Sanjauli market, demand demolition of religious structure

Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap said, “We are tallking with representatives of both communities”. JMM state unit chief Kamal Gautam said they are protesting against “illegal structures” where outsiders coming into the state are taking shelter. He said such “illegal structures” should be demolished. He also demanded the state government take over properties “encroached by” the Waqf Board.

The protest was a fallout of an altercation in Malyana near Sanjauli on August 30. A man allegedly slapped a local trader from Muslim community. The trader called his friends who allegedly assaulted the man. The police lodged an FIR and apprehended six persons, including two juveniles.

DBKS chief Rumit Singh Thakur alleged that outsiders were entering the state and demanded the government verify their identity and register their trades. CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Thursday said all residents have the same rights and he has respect for all religions.

As per officials, the mosque was built in 1960 while 3 more floors were added to it in 2010. The construction was challenged before Shimla Municipal Corporation and the matter is sub judice.

State Waqf Board CEO-cum-administrator Zaffar Iqbal said, “The land where the mosque is situated belongs to the State Waqf Board. The state revenue department has not updated mutation of mosque land. Waqf Board does not get itself involved in construction of structures… The board only issues NOC to local committee, which takes care of site… I was conveyed the structure was expanded to facilitate devotees to pray inside the mosque.”

Minister Anirudh Singh said the mosque is built on government land and matter is sub judice for the past 14 years.