The dispute over the mosque in Shimla has sparked significant controversy and unrest in recent days. From violent protests to government interventions, the situation has rapidly evolved. As tensions rise and authorities grapple with the issues at hand, here’s a summary of the top 10 critical developments in the ongoing Shimla mosque dispute:

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  1. Minister’s Statement: Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh urged for peace and promised expedited legal action on the mosque dispute, which has been unresolved for 14 years.
  2. Chief Minister’s Assurance: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the need for peaceful protests and assured that legal proceedings regarding the mosque dispute would continue as planned.
  3. Protest Turns Violent: A protest demanding the demolition of an illegal portion of a mosque in Shimla’s Sanjauli area escalated into violence on Wednesday. Demonstrators, chanting slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram” and “Hindu Ekta Zindabad,” clashed with police forces.
  4. Breaching of Barricades: Despite prohibitory orders banning gatherings of more than five people, thousands gathered in Sanjauli, breaking through barricades erected near the Dhalli tunnel and at the mosque itself, as reported by Indian Express.
  5. Police Action: In response to the violence, police used water cannons and baton charges to disperse the protesters. At least two people were injured during these confrontations, including police officers and some protesters, as reported by Indian Express.
  6. Injuries and Disruption: The lathicharge and water cannons resulted in injuries to at least two individuals. The unrest also disrupted local schools, leaving students stranded and causing widespread frustration among residents.
  7. Detentions and Clashes: Several individuals, including Hindu Jagran Manch secretary Kamal Gautam, were detained during the clashes. The confrontation led to significant chaos, with local authorities struggling to maintain order.
  8. Calls for Vendor Policy: The ongoing unrest has led to demands for a vendor’s policy that favors Hindus and a call to seal the mosque structure until the court hearing.
  9. Government Response: Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi emphasized efforts to control the situation through dialogue but noted the mob’s lack of cooperation.
  10. Public Appeal: Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi appealed to the general public to maintain peace, highlighting that police and administrative preparations are in place to handle the situation.