Rajni
North News
Shimla
Shops in Shimla remained closed on Thursday as the Beopar Mandal called for a bandh to protest a mild police baton charge used to disperse a crowd demanding the demolition of an allegedly illegal mosque structure.
Clashes broke out in the Sanjauli area on Wednesday when protesters breached police barricades, leading to injuries among both protesters and police officers. More than 1,000 security personnel, including Quick Response Teams (QRTs), were deployed to control the situation. Authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, restricting gatherings of over five people and prohibiting weapons.
The protest, which began at 11 a.m., intensified as demonstrators removed barricades and entered the Dhalli Tunnel’s East portal. As tensions rose, several schools delayed releasing students. Reports surfaced that some protesters were detained, while others claimed they were denied permission for peaceful demonstrations.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the matter is under municipal jurisdiction and will proceed legally. Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh confirmed the government’s awareness of the long-standing dispute and assured that any demolition would occur following legal procedures.
