Tension in the city after a trivial incident involving a woman near a mosque in Kasumpti area; police take precautions to maintain peace, increasing night patrols
SHIMLA — A minor disagreement near the Kasumpti market in this Himachal Pradesh city took an unfortunate communal turn on Wednesday night, leading to a tense situation and fear among Muslim residents living near the mosque. The incident began when a woman living close to the mosque was pushed by a man from a different community, causing her to fall from stairs and sustain injuries.
The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the event, saying, “I was near my home when suddenly someone pushed me. I fell down the stairs and hurt myself.” The accused belongs to a neighbouring community, heightening concerns among local Muslims who feel targeted.
Following the incident, crowds from both communities gathered at the site, raising voices and slogans that added to the tension. Kasumpti and Chota Shimla police officers arrived promptly, calming the situation and urging everyone to stay peaceful.
Kasumpti ward councillor Kusum Thakur shared her concerns: “I was informed about this incident late in the evening by the woman’s son, Pratik. The woman lives very close to the mosque, and the person who pushed her is not from our community. This has caused a lot of worry, especially because there were earlier complaints about illegal construction near the mosque.”
The Muslim community around the mosque has felt a growing sense of insecurity due to this event and the re-opening of past complaints, which many see as attempts to harass them. Locals say these issues are being unfairly linked to the present incident, creating a climate of fear and suspicion.
BJP councillor Rachna Sharma, who also came to the spot to assess the situation, told reporters, “The local people are demanding strict action against the person responsible for pushing the woman. We want to make sure justice is served and peace is maintained in the area.”
Police have since increased their patrols in the Kasumpti market and surrounding areas during night hours to avoid any further escalation. A police spokesperson stated, “Both parties have been called to the police station for questioning. We are monitoring the situation closely and urge everyone to remain calm and avoid taking matters into their own hands.”
Residents from the Muslim community expressed gratitude for the police’s timely intervention but also appealed for lasting security. One local resident commented, “We want to live in peace without fear. Incidents like these, even if small, make us feel unsafe in our own neighbourhood.”
While the situation currently remains calm, the incident has exposed underlying communal tensions that need sensitive handling to prevent them from growing worse. Community leaders are urging mutual respect and peaceful dialogue, emphasising that harmony is essential for the well-being of all residents.
