Sanjauli Mosque Row: Hindu Groups Plan Major Protest, Section 163 Enforced, Over 1000 Police Personnel Deployed

Sanjauli Mosque Row: The controversial Sanjauli Mosque in Shimla continues to create a division, and the case is now slotted for hearing on October 5th. Local authorities have maintained tight control in the area to avoid any breach of peace.

Ban on Gatherings in Sanjauli

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: On protests in Sanjauli today, Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar says, "… We have invoked the procedures under BNSS 163. Life is normal and people are going to their schools and offices. Police have been deployed as a precaution… We are also carrying out… pic.twitter.com/wb7qgtytve— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

Section 163 has been clamped on the whole Sanjauli area since Wednesday morning, banning the assembly of five or more persons. The provision has, in effect, forbidden protest and demonstrations of any sort, which Hindu organizations had announced. “Section 163 was imposed to ensure peace and order were maintained in the region, which had been the epicentre of communal tension,” Additional SP Atul Fulzele said.

Shimla Superintendent of Police said, “We have implemented the procedures under BNSS 163. Everything is normal, and people are going to their schools and offices. Police deployed as a precaution. We are also monitoring with drones. If someone violates the law, we will collect evidence against such people. The people of Himachal are peace-loving. Therefore, even if people gather, it will be a peaceful protest.”

Tension in Shimla Despite Heavy Police Presence

#WATCH | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: Heavy police deployed at the Dhalli Tunnel East portal in view of the protests against the alleged construction issue of Sanjauli mosque pic.twitter.com/OvxJAKMq32— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

However, despite heavy police deployment and imposition of 144 CrPC, Shimla remains a tense city. The situation deteriorated in Shimla once Shimla Urban MLA Harish Janardan showed serious concern about the situation of law and order during a discussion in the House. He urged the government to maintain peace in any agitation pertaining to the Sanjauli Mosque controversy. He also lambasted the government’s handling, demanding a stronger approach by the government with action on illegal constructions.

Janardan’s sentiments were repeated by Jairam Thakur, who alluded to the public feeling on the issue. Thakur showed that the controversy had attained the Congress High Command and expressed dissatisfaction with the response of the government. He called for the demolition of the illegal constructions, which have formed the epicentre of the dispute.

Anirudh Singh Affirms Actions Will Be Taken Within Legal Framework

Emphasizing the concern shown, Anirudh Singh, who is a minister in the state government, has remarked that whatever action was called for to be taken in Himachal Pradesh would be done within the four walls of the law. He told that the issue was not only related to one building but part of the bigger problem of illegal constructions in the state. He also referred to the sensitive case of the Sanjauli Mosque pending before the Municipal Corporation Court. He added that very soon the decision would be taken after going through the due process of law.

Singh said the row originally kicked off over a row on street vendors. The issue had several organizations and councilors meet the Chief Minister, asking for an amendment in the state’s street vendor policy. The state government, after all, engaged in the acquisition of a sub-committee to resolve the issue, with ensuring verification of people from outside the state working in Shimla.

As of now, the controversy pertaining to Sanjauli Mosque is huge and sensitive in Shimla. A hearing is likely to begin this October, and with the government and public on tenterhooks, a solution is expected to cool off tensions. But the chorus from the government-that it will ensure that law and order is kept intact without compromising on the due processes of law-suggests any development will go and be taken by the rulebook.
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