Sanjauli mosque controversy: Why Hindu groups are protesting in Himachal? Explained
Court has requested both Waqf Board and mosque committee to provide a detailed explanation of how the mosque expanded from a single storey to a five-storey structure
Sanjauli mosque controversy: The mosque in question, located in Sanjauli Colony, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, has been the centre of controversy due to allegations of illegal construction. Originally established in 1947, the mosque's legal status has been under scrutiny, particularly concerning the additional four floors that were reportedly added post-2007. The Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board, which claims ownership of the land, has stated that while they acknowledge the original mosque, they are unaware of who constructed the additional floors.
On Saturday, the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board presented its case in the Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s court. The Waqf Board asserted that the mosque was built on its land but expressed uncertainty about the construction of the additional floors. The dispute, they clarified, pertains to the additional floors rather than the mosque's legality. The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 5.
How the Protest Began
The controversy surrounding the five-storey mosque in Sanjauli escalated significantly following a violent altercation that occurred last month. On August 30, a group of individuals reportedly associated with the mosque allegedly attacked a businessman and several traders in the Malyana area. The attackers, armed with rods and sticks, allegedly injured four people, including businessman Yashpal Singh, who hails from Malyana in the Kasumpti assembly near Shimla.
In response to the incident, a case was filed against several individuals: Gulnawaz (32), Sarik (20), Saif Ali (23), Rohit (23), Rihan (17), and Samir (17), with Rihan also being identified as coming from Dehradun. The accused, predominantly from Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, have been charged in connection with the violent clash, which has further fueled the ongoing dispute over the mosque’s legality and prompted widespread public and political reaction.
During the latest session, Advocate Jagat Pal, representing local residents, argued that the land on which the mosque stands belongs to the revenue department and that the Waqf Board is an encroacher. He claimed that the Waqf Board has failed to produce evidence of ownership and detailed the difficulties faced by residents due to the mosque’s expansion. He said the issue was not communal but revolved around illegal construction, calling for the mosque’s demolition.
Advocate Bhup Singh Thakur, representing the Waqf Board, acknowledged awareness of the initial construction but denied knowledge about the additional floors. The Waqf Board has requested the court to refrain from demolishing the mosque and to approve its construction plans. Waqf Board State Officer Qutubuddin Ahmed reiterated the board’s stance that the land belongs to them and claimed that historical records from when Shimla was part of Punjab show their ownership. Ahmed also assured that prayers would continue at the mosque.
The court has requested both the Waqf Board and the mosque committee to provide a detailed explanation of how the mosque expanded from a single storey to a five-storey structure. This marks the 45th hearing related to the mosque's construction.
On the other hand, the mosque controversy has spurred significant public unrest. On Thursday, Hindu right-wing groups staged a protest at Chaura Maidan, demanding the demolition of what they term an "illegal" mosque. Hindu Jagran Manch’s state unit president Kamal Gautam alleged that the mosque was being used to shelter "outsiders," adding to the communal tension.
The issue also gained traction in the Vidhan Sabha, with Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh supporting the protests and advocating for the mosque’s demolition. Anirudh Singh’s remarks have been defended by right-wing organisations, who argue that the mosque's expansion is unlawful.
In response, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said all residents of Himachal Pradesh had equal rights and that his administration respected all religions. He said while peaceful protests were permitted, no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
