Tensions escalated in Himachal Pradesh as protests against alleged illegal mosques intensified, leading to a scuffle between police and Hindu groups in Kullu on Monday. The protestors, part of the ‘Hindu Dharam Jagaran Yatra,’ marched from the Hanuman Temple to Akhara Mosque, chanting the Hanuman Chalisa and demanding the mosque’s demolition, reported PTI.
Amidst tight security, the demonstrators, including women carrying saffron flags adorned with slogans like ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ rallied for the removal of the mosque, while traditional Kullu folk music filled the air. The unrest stems from an incident on August 30, when a clash between a Muslim barber and a Hindu businessman in Shimla’s Malyana area ignited communal tensions, prompting Hindu groups to assert that several mosques in the state are unauthorized.
The Muslim Welfare Committee of Mandi has countered these claims, asserting that there are no illegal mosques in Himachal Pradesh. Naheem Ahmed, the committee’s president, noted that delays in government approval of mosque maps are at the heart of the confusion. He stated, “We would ourselves remove the structures if found illegal,” highlighting the community’s willingness to cooperate with authorities.
The Kullu district administration responded to the uproar, confirming that the mosque at Akhara Bazaar is not illegal, although discrepancies between its recorded and actual area were noted. The mosque occupies a total area of 980 square meters, with a deviation of approximately 150 square meters. The case for its regularization is currently pending with the town and country planning department.
Earlier in the month, similar protests erupted in Shimla, resulting in injuries among protestors and the use of water cannons to disperse crowds in Mandi. Local residents in various regions, including Kasumpti, have also submitted demands for mosque demolitions, further amplifying the tensions.
As the situation unfolds, Muslim leaders are planning to meet with the chief minister to address community concerns and counteract what they describe as rising hate speech. Ahmed emphasized the need for vigilance regarding “outsiders” and called for an end to practices that promote division.
The escalating conflict highlights the delicate balance of communal relations in Himachal Pradesh, with authorities now facing the challenge of addressing grievances while maintaining peace and order.
(With inputs from PTI)