Himachal Police Use Water Cannons, Lathi-Charge As Protestors Clash Over Shimla's Sanjauli Mosque; Minister Reacts

Hundreds of protestors demanding the demolition of an “illegal” structure in a mosque in Shimla’s Sanjauli area were lathi-charged by security forces on Wednesday after they broke police barricades during a demonstration.

A large crowd gathered at the Sabzi Mandi Dhalli and marched towards Sanjauli to lodge their protest and broke the barricades erected near a tunnel. As the protestors, who had gathered at the call of Hindu groups, broke the second barricade near the mosque, police resorted to lathi-charge and used water cannons to disperse them.

‘Neglected public sentiments’

Amid escalating tensions in the area near the mosque and a bandh call issued by Hindu outfits to press for the demolition of the structure, Sanjauli and nearby areas have been fortified with police deployment.

The Shimla district administration issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, barring the assembly of more than five people and the carrying of lethal weapons.

“The government has neglected public sentiments and demands,” former Himachal Chief Minister Jairam Thakur told CNN-News18. No action has been taken against the construction of the “illegal” structure, he added.

Earlier, Some Hindu outfits had called for a Sanjauli bandh on Wednesday, demanding the demolition of the unauthorized structure and the registration of outsiders coming to the state. One of the protestors slammed the Himachal government after police used water cannons and resorted to lathi-charge.

“Regarding the illegal construction, we have seen that Himachal Government Minister Anirudh Singh has stated that the construction is unauthorized and should be demolished. Today, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has, while disrespecting the Hindu community, used lathi-charge against women and the Hindu community. We were on our way to Sanjauli for a peaceful protest, but the police of the Sukhu government used lathi-charge to disperse us,” the protestor was quoted as saying by ANI.

Action If Structure Found Illegal: Minister

Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh said that actions will be taken to demolish the structure if it is found illegal.

“People have the right to protest. Police have been deployed in large numbers to prevent any situation that will deteriorate the law and order (in Shimla). I have said this before that this issue is with MC Commissioner and if it is found unauthorised then actions will be taken to demolish it,” he said.

“As far as the construction of illegal buildings is concerned, the government has taken cognizance of it. I have also strongly said in the assembly that as soon as the decision comes on this within the ambit of law action will be taken, it will be demolished if it is found to be illegal. But we have to move ahead with the process of law. We want an atmosphere of peace should prevail in Himachal Pradesh…,” Singh added.

(With inputs from agencies)