Fri Sep 13 04:47:19 UTC 2024: ## Shimla Mosque Row: Imam Offers to Demolish Illegal Portion, Urges Peace Amidst Tensions

**Shimla, Himachal Pradesh:** The ongoing controversy surrounding the Sanjauli mosque near Shimla continues to escalate, with tensions reaching a boiling point after clashes between protesters and police on Wednesday. The dispute, which began over allegations of illegal construction, has ignited a wave of protests, culminating in a three-hour bandh in Shimla on Thursday.

While the situation remains volatile, a glimmer of hope emerged with Imam Shahzad, representing the mosque, making a public appeal for peace and unity. In an exclusive interview with ABP News, Imam Shahzad offered to demolish any unauthorized portions of the mosque, urging Hindu organizations to accept this gesture and bring the dispute to a peaceful resolution.

“We have done this for love. There should be feelings of love and affection among the people,” Imam Shahzad emphasized, adding that the mosque committee is committed to resolving the issue amicably and has already met with the Shimla Municipal Commissioner to discuss their proposal.

The Imam expressed regret over the recent violence, which left several protesters and police personnel injured. “We were praying to Allah to end this matter. The administration had its own work. Those who came to protest had their own work. Everyone did their job. But the sad thing is that women and children were injured. Some police personnel were also injured,” he said.

While the mosque committee has offered to rectify any unauthorized construction, it has also expressed concerns about the growing politicization of the issue. “We have jointly decided to end the dispute. It should not be given a political twist because we have to live with love and affection,” Imam Shahzad said.

The controversy began when a confrontation between two groups led to calls for the demolition of the mosque’s unauthorized portions. With the situation escalating, the mosque committee has called upon Hindu organizations to cooperate in bringing an end to the dispute.

“Our Himachal is very peaceful and will remain so. I don’t know why this small matter became such a big issue. The illegal part of the mosque, we will demolish only that. Hindu organizations should now accept it and end this dispute,” Imam Shahzad pleaded.

As the situation remains tense, all eyes are now on the court’s upcoming decision, which will play a crucial role in determining the future of the Sanjauli mosque and the peace of the region.

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