Residents claim that Hindu groups are disturbing peace by attacking a mosque built on clear Waqf land
NEW DELHI — Tension has risen again in Himachal Pradesh as Hindu groups have now targeted a centuries-old mosque in Una district, only weeks after the Sanjauli mosque in Shimla came under attack. The new dispute has emerged in Daulatpur Chowk, Ward 1, where a mosque built on registered Waqf land has become the centre of heated protests.
The mosque, which had been undergoing small repair work, has suddenly been labelled a “threat” by Hindu groups. They gathered villagers and submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, demanding a complete halt to construction and even a ban on prayers.
A member of the protesting group claimed, “There are no Muslims in this village, yet people from nearby places come here to pray. This can create a problem.”
However, several peace-loving residents from the majority community have rejected the allegations, saying the mosque has never disturbed anyone.
A local Hindu resident said: “No one has ever faced a problem because of Muslims coming here to pray. Those creating trouble are not speaking for the village. They are disturbing harmony.”
Another resident said, “The mosque is built on Waqf land. Everyone knows this. Still, they are trying to create a fight where none exists.”
Even those protesting admit that the land is legally under the Waqf Board. Despite this, they continue to insist that the mosque “should not have been built”.
Villagers opposing the construction say repairs were underway until recently but were stopped after pressure from the protesting groups. They have demanded a permanent stop, claiming it will “avoid any unwanted incident”.
Peace-loving Hindus in the area say such claims are baseless. One of them said, “Accusing Muslims of disturbing peace is unreasonable. Those making noise are the ones breaking peace.”
The Una district administration has confirmed that a memorandum has been submitted. Officials said the SDM has been asked to conduct an inquiry.
An official stated, “We have received the request. An investigation is underway, and action will follow as per law.”
The Una incident is the latest example of increased pressure on Muslim places of worship in the state.
In Shimla’s Sanjauli area, protests have continued for months. Last Friday, women belonging to a Hindu organisation forcibly stopped Muslims from offering congregational prayers.
In Mandi, Hindu groups have gone further by demanding that a mosque be demolished.
In September 2024, a protest in Kullu over another mosque turned violent, with clashes breaking out between Hindu groups and the police. Several policemen were injured.
In April 2025, Hindu groups also objected to the Sandu Maidan shrine in Bilaspur, calling it “illegal”, leading to yet another dispute.
Muslims in Himachal say these repeated incidents show a clear pattern of intimidation. Many feel that creating unrest around mosques is a deliberate attempt to push Muslims out of public spaces.
A Muslim elder from nearby Una said, “We pray quietly and go home. We harm no one. But some people want to make Muslims look like outsiders. This is wrong and dangerous.”
Another Muslim worshipper added, “This mosque has stood for years. Why is it suddenly a problem? Only those who want trouble are raising these questions.” Locals from both communities have urged the administration to protect the mosque and maintain peace. They say the law is clear and no group should be allowed to misuse religion for tension.
A Hindu resident supporting peace said, “People who want to live together must be heard. Those shouting for fights should not run our villages.”
As the inquiry continues, many fear that the mosque in Una might become the next target in a growing chain of attacks on Muslim places of worship in Himachal Pradesh.
