Himachal Pradesh Muslims face coercion; Masjid leaders stress faith remains inviolable, while high court deliberations on legality of structure continue
SHIMLA — The canonical Friday noon congregational prayer at Sanjauli Masjid was notably absent this week, as Hindu groups intensified pressure on civic authorities, following ritualistic Shastra Puja and threats of structural disruption. This marks the continuation of a protracted dispute over the mosque’s structural legitimacy, now pending adjudication in the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
Shahzad Maulvi, the officiant at Sanjauli Masjid, confirmed the disruption, stating, “On this day, we were compelled to forego the congregational prayers due to threats and intimidation. Our faith remains resolute, and we will continue our prayers under the guidance of the Waqf Board.”
Despite this official desistance, a devout individual, Riyasat Ali, independently performed the Friday prayers. He asserted, “Salat is sacred and cannot be prohibited by any group, nor can faith be overridden by intimidation. The masjid remains lawful and under Waqf protection.”
The unrest at Sanjauli Masjid, ongoing since early 2024, began with vociferous protests by Hindu organisational cadres questioning the legality of additional storeys of the mosque. The custodial committee of the mosque had voluntarily demolished two upper levels to comply with regulations, yet Hindu factions escalated demands for the removal of the entire structure. The local administration had initially sanctioned partial demolition, while the masjid leadership appealed to the high court for injunctions.
Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Justice Romesh Verma presided over proceedings at the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The Waqf Board’s petition challenging the classification of the masjid as “ultra vires” and seeking legal protection remains sub judice. The next hearing is scheduled for 1 December.
The tense atmosphere was compounded by the presence of Hindu cadres stationed around the masjid, issuing letters warning that any Jumma prayers observance would trigger unspecified reprisals. On the previous Friday, women affiliated with Hindu organisations reportedly attempted to prevent access to the masjid, threatening structural sabotage.
Vijay Sharma, convener of the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti, issued a statement urging restraint, claiming, “We have requested the Muslim community to exercise caution. Our group will not prevent anyone from attending Jumu’ah prayers. Any concerns should be addressed with the authorities on the scheduled day.”
However, the Muslim community has voiced concern over the implicit pressure, emphasising the sanctity of religious freedom. “Our prayers are an essential aspect of our faith, and no external pressure should prevent us from fulfilling this obligation,” said another masjid congregant, Ahmed Khan.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges for the Muslims in Himachal Pradesh, balancing devotion with legal and communal disputes. While the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti claims a neutral stance on the day of prayer, the intimidation tactics preceding the event created a climate of fear, forcing the masjid leadership to refrain from holding congregational salat.
Authorities have maintained a significant police presence around the mosque to prevent escalation, but the underlying issue—the legality of the structure and continued harassment—remains unresolved. The case’s outcome in the high court is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Muslim community in the region.
