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Protests Erupt in Shimla Over Alleged Illegal Four-Floor Mosque in Sanjauli

Sep 11, 2024, 06:08 AM

Protests have erupted in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, over the alleged illegal construction of a four-floor mosque in the Sanjauli area. Local residents and members of Hindu groups are demanding the demolition of the mosque, claiming it was built without proper authorization. The Waqf Board, which owns the property, has been handling the matter and has submitted a reply to the Municipal Corporation Shimla regarding the unauthorized construction. The controversy has led to heavy police deployment, with over 1,000 officers stationed in the city and 600 in Sanjauli. The situation has escalated with protesters clashing with security forces, leading to the use of water cannons and lathi charges to disperse the crowds at the Dhalli Tunnel. Section 163 has been imposed to maintain order. The Himachal Pradesh government has urged patience and assured that the law will take its course. A court hearing on the matter has been deferred to October 5th.