Protesters call off indefinite fast, panel set up on mosque row

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Yog Raj Sharma

The North News

Shimla, November  21

The Shimla administration has agreed to form a committee to resolve a dispute over an alleged illegal mosque structure, prompting protesting Hindu organisations to end their indefinite hunger strike and shift to a rotating fast. The administration said it has accepted all key demands raised by the demonstrators and confirmed that representatives of the Hindu organisations would be included in the newly constituted panel. The committee is expected to review the matter in a meeting scheduled for November 29, where officials say a final decision on the demands will be taken.

Earlier, protesters had set a 1 pm deadline for written assurances from the administration, warning that the agitation would intensify if the document was not issued. Demonstrators, who had been camping outside Sanjauli police station, insisted they would not withdraw without formal commitments.

Earlier during negotiations, the health of Vijay Sharma, co-convenor of the Dev Bhoomi Sangharsh Samiti and one of the hunger strikers, deteriorated and he was moved to IGMC Hospital for treatment. Authorities said discussions would continue to ensure the situation is brought under control peacefully.