Hindu Group welcomes Shimla mosque committee’s move to demolish newly raised parts

Amid the escalating tension with the Hindu groups demanding demolition of Sanjauli mosque in Shimla, a Muslim welfare committee, including the mosque’s imam, waqf board members, and the mosque management committee, urged Municipal Commissioner Bhupendra Attri to seal and demolish the mosque’s unauthorized sections in compliance with a court order.

The committee emphasised their intention to maintain peace and harmony within the Himachal Pradesh community. Mufti Mohammad Shafi Kasmi, a committee member, stated, “We have requested the Shimla municipal commissioner to allow us to demolish the unauthorized portions of the mosque located in Sanjauli.”

The mosque’s imam reinforced this sentiment, expressing that the decision reflects their commitment to peaceful coexistence and communal harmony. “We have lived here for decades, and this decision reflects our dedication to maintaining peace,” the imam said.

Municipal Commissioner Attri confirmed receipt of the request. The Dev Bhoomi Sangarh Committee, which had previously protested against the unauthorized construction, welcomed the initiative. Committee member Vijay Sharma praised the Muslim community’s decision, stating, “We applaud their commitment to the greater good and are ready to support them.”

This development follows Hindu organizations' calls for a Sanjauli bandh on September 11, demanding the removal of the disputed structure and stricter regulations for non-residents.

Protests by Hindu groups had intensified the situation earlier in the week at Chaura Maidan and other locations. The municipal corporation is now addressing the legal aspects of the unauthorized construction.