Hindutva groups protest outside Sanjauli Masjid in Shimla, calls for demolition of “illegal mosque” : Valley Vision

A large group of members from Hindu organisations, BJP workers, and local residents gathered outside the Sanjauli Masjid in Shimla, chanting Islamophobic slogans and claiming that the mosque’s construction is illegal.

Holding the Tricolour and raising slogans, the saffron men and women demanded the demolition of what they claim are unauthorised floors of the mosque.

The Hindutva groups have sought the demolition of the under-construction mosque, which stands in Sanjauli locality of Shimla, after an alleged attack on a businessman in the Malyana area. 

Dev Bhumi Shatriya Sangathan President and Hindutva leader Rumit Singh Thakur, who gave a call to “sanatanis” to assemble in Shimla, said people from across the State responded to his call and demonstrated “Sanatan unity.”

Thakur alleged that “outsiders” are coming to Himachal Pradesh in droves and demanded that the government verify their identities and register their trades. Hindutva groups across the country have been campaigning against Muslims, labeling them “outsiders” in several instances.

He said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had called him Wednesday and assured him of an action in the matter.

“If the building (mosque) is found to be illegal, action will be taken,” PWD minister Vikramaditya Singh said. “The presence of immigrants is a concern for the people of Himachal Pradesh.”

Singh said the matter is pending before the municipal commissioner’s court, with a hearing scheduled for Sept 7.