Shimla: The effects of the two-hour bandh called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and various outfits in Himachal Pradesh over the ‘illegal’ construction of Mosques in various parts of the state were observed in various states. While there were not many protests in Shimla, marches were organized in other parts of the state including Bilaspur, Kullu, Chamba, Hamirpur, Paonta Sahib, and other places.
During their protests, the protesters recited Hanuman Chalisa and also raised various slogans. According to VHP officials protest organised by them was against the illegal construction of a Mosque in Shimla and encroachment on government land by another Mosque in Mandi.
Demand of protesters
The protesters also demanded verification of outsiders living in the state. Even as various shops were closed in Manali for two hours, businesses were impacted in Dalhousie too due to the shutdown. Earlier a clash broke out between police and protesters in the Sanjauli area of Shimla on Wednesday, which resulted in injury to 10 persons including two policemen. A case was registered against 50 people in the incidents. As per, VHP state president Keshav Verma there had been many incidents in the past in which Muslims took the law into their hands in Chamba, due to which the demand for verification of outsiders had been going on for a long time.
VHP state assistant secretary Pankaj Bhartiya said that the organisation would continue to fight for the rights of Hindus and local people. He added that the VHP won’t allow people from other states, with fake Aadhar cards, to harm the interests of locals. He alleged that many unauthorised mosques have been built in various parts of the state including Hamirpur.
Chief Minister’s appeal
Earlier on Friday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu appealed to the people of the state to maintain peace and brotherhood. “I appeal for peace in the state and not make statements that may cause tensions. Nobody is allowed to take the law into his own hands. The government respects everyone. The land of Himachal respects all religions,” he had said.
