Himachal Pradesh: After the controversy surrounding the illegal construction of a mosque in Sanjauli, Shimla, another similar incident has come to light in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. On Friday, thousands of members from Hindu organizations took to the streets in protest, demanding action against the mosque’s illegal construction. Water cannons were deployed to control the crowd, and the administration has maintained heavy security to prevent further unrest.
A Decades-Old Mosque at the Center of the Issue
The mosque, located on Jail Road in Mandi, has been standing for nearly three decades. The current issue stems from the illegal construction of a security wall on Public Works Department land, which has angered local residents. This matter has been pending in the Municipal Corporation Court for a long time, intensifying public frustration and leading to street demonstrations.
Muslim Community Takes Initiative Amid Rising Tensions
Learning from the recent protests in Shimla, the Muslim community in Mandi has begun voluntarily dismantling the illegal wall surrounding the mosque. This move is seen as an effort to ease tensions and avoid a repeat of the Sanjauli unrest.
Sealing of the Mosque Ordered by Authorities
In light of the escalating tension in Mandi, the Deputy Commissioner has ordered the mosque to be sealed. The Muslim community has been given one month to present their case before the authorities. Notably, Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut has yet to make any public statement on the issue.
State Government Calls for Urgent Meeting
As mosque-related controversies grow in the state, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has called for an emergency meeting with all concerned parties. He reassured the public that Himachal Pradesh is a peaceful state, and such issues will not be allowed to persist. The government has also promised swift action regarding the Sanjauli mosque case in Shimla.
