How a fight between two shopkeepers led to demand for Shimla mosque demolition

Shimla: Tensions continue to prevail after right-wing Hindu organisations demanded demolition of a mosque in Sanjauli area of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. The construction of the mosque is said to be in question since 2007. Currently, the issue is pending at the Municipal Commissioner Court. The nex hearing in the case is on September 7.

So far, there have been 44 hearings in the case. The Muslim side claims the land belonging to Waqf. The mosque Imam Moulana Shahzad says the mosque exists at the place since 1947 and the court issue is being looked into by the Waqf Board.

Why the controversy over the mosque?

The sudden protests against the mosque is said to be connected to a dispute between two shopkeepers-a salon owner and an electrical equipment seller, both of whose shops lie side by side in Malyana area of Sanjauli. The dispute between the two sides even reached a violent when both parties indulged in fist fights. When the electrical shop owner was reportedly in the fight, the Hindu organisations started taking out protests. According to police, they have filed a case over the violent clash in Malyana and arrested two persons.

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Hindu organisations’ ultimatum to administration

Meanwhile, the Hindu organisations have given 2-day ultimatum to Shimla administration to take action in the case. They have demanded the court and the administration to quickly decide on the issue. These outfits have also threatened to take the law into their own hands if the administration did not take bulldozer action in the case. Keeping in view the tense environment, the police have increased the security of the mosque.

Masjid imam appeals prayers goers not to come for Jumma Namaz

On Friday, the Masjid’s Imam has appealed to Muslims not to come to the mosque to offer Friday prayer (Jumma Namaz). Imam Shahzad said most of the Muslims working in the city are from other states and they have been advised not to come to the mosque in view of the tense environment. He said the mosque is very old and appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony.