Yog Raj
The North News
Shimla, March 23
Tension prevailed at a vegetable market in Shimla on Monday morning after a clash broke out between members of two communities over a dispute regarding the ownership of a shop. Police intervened promptly to bring the situation under control. According to reports, members of a Hindu organisation alleged that individuals from the Muslim community forcibly occupied a shop by locking it.
On the other hand, the Muslim side claimed ownership of the shop and accused a Hindu family of occupying it. The Hindu family, which has been running the shop on rent for several decades, said they have been regularly paying rent to the owner. They alleged that a man from the Muslim community recently claimed to have purchased the shop in 2023 and asked them to vacate. The family further stated that the shop owner never informed them about any sale and continues to accept rent.
Members of the Dev Bhoomi Sangharsh Samiti reached the spot and raised slogans, alleging forceful occupation and assault on the Hindu family. During the protest, items from the shop were also reportedly thrown outside. Meanwhile, the Muslim family claimed that they legally purchased the shop in 2023 and had given the tenants six months to vacate. They alleged that despite repeated notices, the shop has not been vacated even after three years, leading to the dispute. Considering the tense situation, heavy police deployment was made at the site. Authorities have recorded statements from both sides and initiated further investigation into the matter.
