Himachal Pradesh Mosque Dispute: Manali Markets Closed, CM Appeals for Peace Amid Rising Tensions

In Himachal Pradesh, escalating tensions over a mosque dispute have prompted significant unrest across multiple regions of the state. On Saturday, a trade union in Manali ordered markets to remain closed until 11 a.m. due to the ongoing unrest, with shops around Mall Road shuttered as a precautionary measure.

The dispute, centered around a mosque in Sanjauli, Shimla, has spread to other areas including Sunni, Kullu, Bilaspur, and Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district. Hindu organizations have called for increased verification of people arriving from other states and enhanced monitoring of their activities.

The situation turned violent on Wednesday during a protest in Shimla. Demonstrators attempted to breach barricades surrounding the disputed mosque site in Sanjauli, leading to clashes with police. The unrest saw stone-pelting and the use of water cannons and batons by authorities, resulting in injuries to six police officers and four protesters.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged citizens to maintain peace and avoid provocative statements. He stressed that Himachal Pradesh respects all religions and warned against taking the law into one’s own hands.

On Thursday, members of the Muslim community in Mandi demolished a portion of a mosque they claimed was encroaching on government land. This move followed a protest where demonstrators, chanting “Jai Shri Ram,” tried to march toward the mosque before being dispersed by police. The Municipal Corporation of Mandi has issued a 30-day notice to the mosque’s management committee to remove the encroached portion. The mosque, initially approved for 45 sq m, currently occupies 232 sq m of land.

Shimla police are investigating the incident by reviewing call records to identify those who incited the violent protest at Sanjauli. Eight FIRs have been filed against more than 50 individuals, with CCTV and video evidence being used to track and prosecute those involved.

In an effort to de-escalate tensions, the Muslim Welfare Committee has requested the Municipal Commissioner to seal the unauthorized portion of the Sanjauli mosque and has offered to voluntarily demolish it.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh has commented on the situation, attributing the Muslim Welfare Committee’s concession on the mosque issue to the unity among Hindus. He asserted that this unity sends a powerful message across the nation.

The unrest, which has spread to various parts of Himachal Pradesh, highlights the growing communal tensions in the region. Authorities are working to manage the situation and restore order amidst increasing public scrutiny and attention.