Waqf Board's action came after massive protest erupted outside the Sanjauli Masjid, alleging that the mosque was constructed illegally, in Shimla
Amid the ongoing protest over the ‘illegal’ construction of Sanjauli mosque in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla, the Waqf Board on Friday took action in connection to the row and has taken the entire mosque under its control. The Waqf Board further acknowledged that the floors of the mosque were constructed ‘illegally’.
In addition to this, Shimla Waqf Board state officer Qutubuddin informed that the Imam posted in the mosque has also been removed. The Board’s action came after massive protest erupted outside the Sanjauli Masjid in Shimla with members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), various Hindu organisations and local residents demanding the demolition of the Masjid, what they allege to be “illegal”.
Shimla Sanjauli Masjid Controversy : The Waqf Board acknowledges that the floors of the mosque were illegalNews18’s Rajendra Sharma shares more inputs @KuheenaSharma | #ShimlaMasjidControversy#SanjauliMosque#protestspic.twitter.com/WJF1lbgqCl
— News18 (@CNNnews18) September 6, 2024
The Muslim body also removed other illegal encroachments done by several people belonging to the Muslim community from outside the state. In view of the ongoing row, the Waqf Board completely banned any outsider from staying in the mosque.
The Sanjauli Mosque Controversy
The massive controversy over the mosque intensified on Wednesday after a heated debate in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, where minister and Congress leader Anirudh Singh demanded an investigation into the illegal construction of Shimla’s Sanjauli Masjid, highlighting that it is leading to tensions in the area. Singh’s allegations, however, were countered by his party MLAs.
In an interview with CNN-News18, Himachal Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh addressed the issue and stated that any illegal construction will be “demolished according to the law”. He questioned why the issue was overlooked for so long, asserting, “Illegal is illegal, whether it’s a temple or a mosque.”
Meanwhile, the Shimla on Thursday protest marches were witnessed in the area opposing the construction of the mosque by Hindu organisations.
Another Mosque Row In Shimla
Amid tensions brewing for Sanjauli masjid, another mosque hit controversy in Shimla’s Kasumpti. Ward councillor Rachna Sharma alleged that repair works were made on the premises without the approval of the Waqf Council and Shimla Municipal Corporation.
“Repair works made to the building without any required permission. The mosque is operating in the building illegally. Residents are facing difficulties every Friday as there is not a single family from the community in the surrounding area,” Sharma said.
The local SDM has assured the protesters that appropriate action will be taken after reviewing all documents related to the building.
