Tension Erupts in Shimla Over Mosque Dispute: Injuries Reported as Hindu Groups Clash with Police

Tension Erupts in Shimla Over Mosque Dispute: Injuries Reported as Hindu Groups Clash with Police

Tensions ran high in Sanjauli area of Shimla on Wednesday as protestors clamoring for demolition of unauthorized structure in a local mosque clashed with security forces.

The demonstration, taken out by Hindu groups, turned violent when protestors broke the police barricades. The police then resorted to lathi-charge and water cannons to drive off the mob. Incident Details

The protesting activists and police personnel sustained injuries, who were taken to the hospital for treatment. The Shimla administration has kept students indoors in many schools as part of precautionary measures due to the escalation of this development.

The protest that started from Sabzi Mandi Dhalli, where hundreds of protesters marched towards Sanjauli, breaking the police barricades near the Dhalli tunnel. As they breached a second barricade near the mosque, the police intervened with force.

With tricolors in their hands, protesters raised slogans such as “Himachal Ne Thana Hai, Devbhoomi Ko Bachana Hai” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”

Earlier, a protester, Kamal Gautam, a leader of Hindu Jagran Manch, was taken into custody at Sanjauli Chowk while proceeding towards Dhalli Tunnel.

Security Measures and Restrictions

More than 1,000 police personnel, including QRTs, were deployed to manage the unrest in the Sanjauli area. Shimla district administration issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS, 2023.

It bans the assembly of more than five people, carrying weapons, and any public demonstration from 7 am onwards up to 11.59 pm.

These orders also ban public rallies, processions, and demonstrations without permission, and obstruction to traffic or carrying of inflammable objects.

Background

The protests are part of a larger call by Hindu outfits for the demolition of the unauthorized mosque and stringent registration of outsiders entering the state. Last week, similar protests were held at Chaura Maidan near the Vidhan Sabha.

According to District Magistrate Anupam Kashyap, the orders were issued as it was perceived that public peace was threatened and violence may further escalate.

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SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi said these moves were to ensure that law and order are maintained in the backdrop of tensions.

The situation remains fluid as authorities go about trying to contain the unrest and prevent further violence in the region.