Hindu organisations demand mosque demolition, Congress leaders take sides, and Muslim leaders react to growing communal tensions in a Shimla suburb
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — A trivial incident involving a local dispute has now become a full-blown communal and political issue in Himachal Pradesh. Hindu organisations have taken to the streets demanding the demolition of a mosque in the Shimla suburb of Sanjauli, while prominent political figures from both the Congress party and other factions have begun weighing in on the matter, deepening the tensions in the region. Here’s a detailed report on the origins of the controversy, its subsequent developments, and the unfolding political drama.
The issue began in Sanjauli when a group of Hindu and Muslim youths engaged in an altercation over a local dispute. The situation, which ought to have been resolved quietly, spiralled into a larger communal conflict when a Hindu youth named Vikram lodged a police complaint. He claimed that the Muslim youths involved in the altercation had sought refuge inside the Sanjauli Masjid. This caught the attention of Hindu organisations in the region who began protesting vehemently alleging that the mosque was built illegally and demanding its immediate demolition.
“The fight may have started between a few youths, but this is no longer just a local issue. We are calling for justice,” said Ramesh Thakur, a member of one of the Hindu organisations leading the protest. “The mosque was built illegally, and it needs to be demolished.”
The local police took swift action, arresting six individuals based on Vikram’s complaint. However, this did little to quell the situation, as the narrative began to shift from a youth altercation to the legality of the mosque itself.
Growing Tensions
As protests gathered momentum, Hindu organisations quickly began focusing on the legality of the mosque, questioning its origins and recent renovations. They accused the mosque of expanding unlawfully, particularly citing the construction of additional floors, which they claimed violated local laws.
“It’s not just about the fight; it’s about the illegal structures that have been added to the mosque over the years,” said another protestor, Meena Joshi. “This place has been expanding without permission. It’s time the authorities take action.”
While the local administration was initially slow to respond, the growing protests forced them to take the issue seriously. As tensions mounted, it became clear that the situation had transformed from a local skirmish into a broader communal issue, with Hindu organisations continuing their protests.
Mosque’s Historical Significance
The Sanjauli Masjid is reportedly an old structure, with claims that it existed long before India’s independence in 1947. The Waqf Board, which oversees the mosque, has defended its historical legitimacy. According to it, the mosque has stood for decades and is legally recognised. However, recent renovations have come under scrutiny, particularly regarding the legality of the construction of additional floors.
“The Sanjauli Masjid is an ancient structure. It has been part of this community for many years,” said a representative of the Waqf Board. “While we admit that renovations were done, we are looking into who authorised the expansion from a single-storey building to a four-storey one.”
The Waqf Board’s admission that they were unaware of who had expanded the mosque raised eyebrows, leading to further scrutiny by both the public and local authorities.
Legal Proceedings
The controversy soon found its way to the local courts. During a hearing on September 8, the court acknowledged the Waqf Board’s claim that the mosque was indeed an ancient structure. However, the court also raised concerns over the recent renovations and ordered a status report on the legality of the additional floors.
Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sunil Attri, who was overseeing the case, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity on the construction and called for further investigation. “There seems to be confusion about who authorised the new floors,” he stated. “We will get to the bottom of this.”
The court adjourned the hearing with a directive to provide a detailed report on the status of the mosque’s construction and the legality of the additional floors. The legal battle is expected to play a crucial role in determining the mosque’s future, as both sides await the court’s verdict.
Political Involvement and Role of Congress
Adding fuel to the fire, some senior leaders of the Congress party, which currently holds power in the state, have publicly supported the demand for the mosque’s demolition. Anirudh Singh, a prominent Congress leader and cabinet minister, made headlines when he voiced support for Hindu organisations during an assembly session. His remarks are aligned with the hard-line stance taken by Hindu groups.
“There are laws in place, and if something is built illegally, it should be demolished, no matter the religious background,” Singh said in the assembly, drawing both applause and outrage.
This statement by a key Congress figure has created further complications, as three Congress councillors from the Shimla Municipal Corporation also took part in rallies organised by Hindu organisations. Their participation in the protests has intensified the issue and drawn attention to the growing communal divide.
In response to the unfolding controversy, several prominent Muslim leaders have condemned both the protests and the involvement of political figures. Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), was quick to criticise the Congress government in the state for aligning with Hindu organisations. Owaisi accused the Congress of adopting a stance similar to that of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), suggesting that political interests were driving the controversy.
“Is this a Congress government or a BJP government?” Owaisi questioned during a press conference. “The Congress has betrayed its own ideals by siding with those who want to demolish a mosque. They are playing a dangerous game.”
His comments reflect the growing concerns among Muslim leaders that the issue is being politicised and used to stir communal tensions in the region. Many fear that the protests and political involvement could lead to a worsening of relations between the Hindu and Muslim communities in the state.
The Path Forward
As it stands, the Sanjauli Masjid controversy remains unresolved, with protests continuing in the region. Hindu organisations have vowed to keep up the pressure until the mosque is demolished, while Muslim leaders have called for calm and restraint, urging the government to resolve the issue legally and peacefully.
The court decision will play a pivotal role in determining the future of the mosque. In the meantime, tensions remain high, with no clear resolution in sight. The situation is volatile, with both sides deeply entrenched in their positions, and political dynamics further complicating the matter.
What began as a simple altercation between local youths has grown into a significant communal and political issue in the state. The controversy has brought to the forefront deep-seated tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities, amplified by the involvement of political figures and organisations. With both Hindu groups and Muslim leaders holding firm to their demands, and the court yet to decide on the legality of the mosque’s construction, the region remains on edge.
The outcome of this controversy will not only determine the fate of the Sanjauli Masjid but could also have broader implications for communal harmony in the state.
