The protest against the illegal construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli area of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, turned violent as locals tried to remove barricading at the Dhalli Tunnel East portal during their rally.
Visuals from Shimla showed chaotic scenes as protestors were seen toppling police barricades and security personnel resorting to lathi charge and water cannons to control the crowd.
The protesters were heard chanting slogans such as “Himachal Ne Thaana Hai, Devbhoomi Ko Bachana Hai” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
The protests are being carried out by members of the Hindu outfits against the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli area.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the people have the right to protest peacefully but there shouldn’t be any damage.
On Tuesday, the police imposed prohibitory orders in the Sanjauli locality. The prohibitory orders were issued due to the prevailing law and order situation in the Sanjauli area and apprehension of a breach of public peace and tranquillity, District Magistrate of Shimla Anupam Kashyap said, PTI reported.