Shimla Sanjauli Mosque Row: Security Tightened, Police Deployed Amid Protests, Bandh Call

Shimla: Security measures and restrictions have been heightened in Shimla as protestors took to the streets over the alleged illegal construction of the Sanjauli mosque. Meanwhile, Hindu organisations have called for a bandh at 11 am today (Wednesday), leading to beefed up security and stringent checks at key locations, including the Dhalli tunnel.

Police are conducting thorough inspections of vehicles to prevent disturbances during the protests. Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Kumar emphasised that while stakeholders have assured a peaceful demonstration, all necessary precautions are in place to maintain law and order.

Prohibitory orders have been issued in the Sanjauli area from 7:00 AM to 11:59 PM today. These orders, under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, ban gatherings of more than five people without permission and the carrying of weapons. They also prohibit public rallies and demonstrations that disrupt traffic or public peace.

"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 drone surveillance. If someone breaches the law, then we will collect adequate evidence against such people... The people of Himachal are peace-loving people... So, even if people gather, it will be a peaceful demonstration. The stakeholders also said that the demonstration will be peaceful... We have taken all precautionary measures... We want to caution people that law will take its course and peace is the ultimate solution... We hope no one breaches the law and creates legal complications for themselves," said SP Kumar.

Earlier on Tuesday night, police conducted a peace march from Sanjauli Chowk to the Dhalli tunnel. SP Kumar also noted that the police are monitoring social media to prevent misinformation and unrest. Action will be taken against those spreading rumors or attempting to incite discord.

"We are keeping an eye on the social media, as there are some mischievous elements that try to spread rumours. We have talked to all the stakeholders. Shimla has always been peaceful; we are sure there will be peace. We have taken certain peaceful steps. We are not expecting any violent demonstration. As of now, we do not anticipate any protests tomorrow, but we are urging everyone to maintain peace. We have also taken some precautionary measures," Kumar added.

District Magistrate Anupam Kashyap cited concerns over public order and potential breaches of peace as reasons for the restrictions. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized that the issue should not be politicized and affirmed the government's commitment to maintaining law and order.

"There is no need for concern. The police will act according to the circumstances," SP Kumar assured.

Jairam Thakur Criticises Congress Government's Handling of Mosque Row

BJP leader Jairam Thakur criticised the Congress government for its handling of the Sanjauli mosque issue, alleging that the lack of a proper vendor registration process has exacerbated tensions.

"If you are talking about street vendors, we brought a policy that all street vendors are welcome but they have to go through the process of identity registration and verification. It's been 20 months since the formation of Congress government, but Congress has stopped this activity for the last 20 months," Thakur said.

He called for peaceful demonstrations and criticised the government for not addressing the issue promptly.

Thakur also addressed the controversy surrounding the mosque, accusing the Congress of mishandling the situation. "Their minister raised the (mosque) issue in the Assembly. He said that a lot of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis have come here. When he said these things, the matter reached to the high commission of Congress and they instructed to remove him from the ministry," Thakur said.

The mosque's construction case is currently in court, with the next hearing scheduled for October 5.