NEW DELHI: Protests in Himachal Pradesh are ongoing as people demand the demolition of mosques they believe are illegally built. However, a Muslim organization claims there are no illegal mosques in the state. They say the delay in getting building plans approved is causing confusion. On Monday, Hindu groups from the 'Hindu Dharam Jagaran Yatra' held a march in Kullu, calling for the demolition of a mosque. The march led to a clash with the police.
Large crowds, including women carrying saffron flags, joined the protest, demanding the demolition of a mosque in Kullu. Musicians and women in traditional dress led the march, which started from a Hanuman temple and ended at Akhara Mosque under heavy security.
The calls for demolition started after an argument between a Muslim barber and a Hindu businessman in Shimla's Malyana area on August 30 escalated into a communal issue. Hindu groups want mosques they consider unauthorised to be demolished. There is also a demand to identify outsiders coming into the state.
Naheem Ahmed, the president of the Muslim welfare committee in Mandi, said no mosque is illegal but admitted there have been delays in getting the necessary approvals. He stated that the Muslim community is willing to remove any structures found to be illegal. A meeting of Muslim representatives was held, and they decided to form a state-level committee to meet with the chief minister and discuss the situation.
Ahmed added that some people are spreading hatred and that anyone entering the state should be checked, regardless of religion. Authorities in Kullu said the mosque at Akhara Bazaar is not illegal but has a small difference in the recorded and actual area, which is being reviewed by the town planning department. The mosque, built before Independence, is part of the official records.
Earlier, protests in Shimla’s Sanjauli area left ten people injured, and similar protests in Mandi were met with water cannons. Residents of Kasumpti and other areas have also demanded the demolition of mosques.
Large crowds, including women carrying saffron flags, joined the protest, demanding the demolition of a mosque in Kullu. Musicians and women in traditional dress led the march, which started from a Hanuman temple and ended at Akhara Mosque under heavy security.
The calls for demolition started after an argument between a Muslim barber and a Hindu businessman in Shimla's Malyana area on August 30 escalated into a communal issue. Hindu groups want mosques they consider unauthorised to be demolished. There is also a demand to identify outsiders coming into the state.
Naheem Ahmed, the president of the Muslim welfare committee in Mandi, said no mosque is illegal but admitted there have been delays in getting the necessary approvals. He stated that the Muslim community is willing to remove any structures found to be illegal. A meeting of Muslim representatives was held, and they decided to form a state-level committee to meet with the chief minister and discuss the situation.
Ahmed added that some people are spreading hatred and that anyone entering the state should be checked, regardless of religion. Authorities in Kullu said the mosque at Akhara Bazaar is not illegal but has a small difference in the recorded and actual area, which is being reviewed by the town planning department. The mosque, built before Independence, is part of the official records.
Earlier, protests in Shimla’s Sanjauli area left ten people injured, and similar protests in Mandi were met with water cannons. Residents of Kasumpti and other areas have also demanded the demolition of mosques.
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