Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, November 20
Tensions continue to escalate in Shimla’s Sanjauli area over an alleged illegal mosque structure, as members of the Devbhumi Sangharsh Samiti warned of a large-scale protest on Thursday. The group has been staging a sit-in for two days, demanding the withdrawal of a police FIR filed against its members. Leaders of the Samiti told reporters that they were prepared for an “all-out agitation” and cautioned police against using force. They claimed that any lathi-charge would be met with a “similar response”, raising concerns about a potential breakdown of law and order. The group also appealed to parents to avoid sending children to school amid the heightened tensions.
The dispute intensified after Muslims were reportedly prevented from offering prayers at the site last Friday. Police registered an FIR against Samiti members, prompting the ongoing protest. The organisation has demanded that the FIR be cancelled, and that electricity and water supply to the disputed structure be disconnected. They have also called for the building to be sealed.
With no dialogue or administrative action so far, protest leaders said their anger was growing. “We have been on an indefinite fast for two days, yet no one from the administration has approached us,” said Madan Thakur, co-convener of the Samiti. Vijay Sharma, also a co-convener, reiterated that the group would intensify its agitation if their demands were ignored.
