Shimla: Section 163 imposed amid protests over Sanjauli Mosque construction
Over 1,000 police personnel and a Quick Response Team (QRT) have been deployed in Shimla's Sanjauli area after Hindu right groups called for a bandh on Wednesday over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque. The district administration has imposed a ban on any form of protest or procession in Sanjauli and surrounding areas from 7:00am until 11:59pm to prevent communal tension and maintain law and order.
Prohibitory orders issued under Section 163
The Shimla district administration issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. These orders prohibit the assembly of more than five people without permission and carrying lethal weapons and arms including lathis, daggers, sticks, spears, swords. District Magistrate Anupam Kashyap stated that these measures were taken due to "prevailing law and order situation in the Sanjauli area and apprehension of breach of public peace and tranquility."
Public rallies, processions without permission prohibited
The prohibitory orders also ban public rallies, processions without permission and demonstrations strikes including hunger strike, dharna, slogan shouting in public places causing obstruction to roads, highways. Carrying of any kind of inflammable objects at any public place, roads and places of worship/prayers are also prohibited. The demonstrations against the "illegal" mosque erupted last week, when Hindu right groups staged a massive protest at Chaura Maidan near the Vidhan Sabha, demanding the removal of the structure.
Hindu outfits in the Dhalli area raise slogans
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's statement on issue
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged that the issue should not be politicized. "Maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the government. People have the right to protest peacefully but there should be no damage to anyone from any community," he said. He also mentioned that all communities are respected in Himachal Pradesh and a committee has been formed by Vidhan Sabha speaker to create rules for venders' policy as this conflict originated from a minor dispute.
Unauthorized mosque case in court
Regarding the unauthorized mosque, Sukhu stated that the case of unauthorized or illegal construction of some floors is currently in the court of Municipal Corporation. He assured that the law would take its own course and requests for an early decision on this issue will be made. District Commissioner (DC) warned that strict action will be taken against those who do not follow these law and order measures.
