Tensions Rise in Sanjauli Over Mosque Construction; Prohibitory Orders Imposed

Prohibitory orders were imposed in Sanjauli due to escalating conflict over illegal construction in a mosque. Hindu organizations called for a bandh, demanding demolition of the unauthorized structure. The administration, citing law and order concerns, issued restrictions to prevent public assembly and carrying of weapons. The Chief Minister urged for peaceful protests.

The Sanjauli locality witnessed prohibitory orders on Tuesday, following rising tensions over illegal construction at a mosque and a bandh call by Hindu organizations.

The Shimla district administration invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, restricting the assembly of more than five people and possession of weapons.

Hindu groups demanded the demolition of the unauthorized mosque construction and registration of outsiders in the state. Last Thursday, protests erupted in Chaura Maidan near Vidhan Sabha and Sanjauli. According to District Magistrate Anupam Kashyap, orders were issued to maintain law and order.

Public rallies, processions, hunger strikes, and any actions obstructing public spaces and roads were also prohibited. The restrictions are effective from 7:00 AM to 11:59 PM on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called for non-political treatment of the issue. He stressed the government's responsibility to maintain law and order while allowing peaceful protests. He assured that the mosque's unauthorized construction case is under Municipal Corporation's review and law would prevail.

SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi appealed for peace and expressed hope for peaceful protests after meetings with stakeholders.