Shimla: Police use water cannons, lathicharge on Sanjauli mosque protesters
The Himachal Pradesh Police on Wednesday used water cannons and resorted to lathicharge to disperse protesters heading toward the Sanjauli area of Shimla. The protest was against the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in the area. Protesters demanding its demolition broke police barricades and entered the Dhalli Tunnel East portal although the district administration had imposed a ban on any form of protest or procession in Sanjauli and surrounding areas from 7:00am until 11:59pm.
Prohibitory orders issued amid escalating tension
The prohibitory orders 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.
Government's response to protests and opposition's criticism
Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh stated that the protests should not disrupt peace in the area. He assured that if the mosque is found to be illegal, the state government would take action. However, he clarified that the matter is sub judice and a decision will be made after a court hearing. Meanwhile, Jairam Thakur, leader of opposition in Himachal Pradesh assembly, criticized the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government for delaying action against this alleged illegal construction.
Video of the protest
Opposition leader urges swift resolution
Thakur urged the government to resolve this issue promptly if it is indeed an unauthorized construction. He also accused the Congress of trying to "appease" a particular community by allowing illegal construction on government land. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader further alleged that the state government has been "ignoring" such incidents and asked why no action was taken when the matter was brought to its notice in 2019.
