Thu Sep 12 09:46:24 UTC 2024: ## Shimla on Edge: Mosque Construction Dispute Sparks Protests, City Shuts Down
**Shimla, Himachal Pradesh:** Tensions in Shimla escalated on Wednesday following protests over alleged illegal construction at a mosque in Sanjauli, leading to a city-wide shutdown on Thursday.
The protests, spearheaded by Hindu organizations, resulted in clashes with police, leaving 10 people injured, including police personnel. The situation forced authorities to deploy heavy security, with police stationed throughout Sanjauli and a 20km-long blockade set up in Shoghi.
The Sanjauli market remained closed on Thursday in solidarity with the protesters, with businesses in Mall Road, Sanjauli, and Baluganj remaining shut until 1 pm. The Shimla Vyapar Mandal, the city’s trade association, organized the closure in protest against the police action during the Wednesday protests.
The dispute stems from a construction case currently pending in the municipal court. After the court postponed the hearing, Hindu organizations announced further protests for September 11, leading to heightened security measures in the city.
The situation prompted the mosque committee to take a reconciliatory step. They submitted a memorandum to the Municipal Commissioner offering to seal the disputed part of the mosque and promising to demolish it if the administration finds it illegal.
While the government is trying to de-escalate the situation, political tensions are running high. The opposition BJP has accused the ruling Congress of appeasement, while Congress ministers have countered by stating that the dispute is about illegal construction and not a religious issue. They also blamed the BJP for instigating the violence to gain political mileage.
Despite the tense atmosphere, authorities have managed to control the situation and the city is slowly returning to normalcy. The focus now remains on ensuring peace and avoiding any further escalation of the issue.
First Piper 