Clashes Erupt in Shimla Over Alleged Illegal Mosque, Police Use Water Cannons to Disperse Protesters

Protests erupted in Shimla over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque, with clashes between protesters and police. The Himachal Pradesh government insists it's a law enforcement issue, while opposition leader Jairam Thakur criticized the delay in addressing the construction dispute. Prohibitory orders were imposed in the Sanjauli area.

Tensions flared in Shimla on Wednesday as hundreds of protesters clashed with the police over an alleged illegal mosque in the Sanjauli area. Protesters, including women, gathered in the Dhalli area to chant slogans against the mosque’s construction. Visuals from the scene showed demonstrators tossing police barricades aside, prompting officers to retaliate with water cannons and mild force to restore order.

The protest was organized by Hindu groups, and heavy police presence was deployed in the area to maintain peace. Himachal Pradesh's Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan dismissed claims of religious conflict, accusing the BJP of turning the issue into a Hindu-Muslim matter. He emphasized that the situation was one of law enforcement, asserting that the government will take appropriate action against unauthorized constructions.

Opposition leader Jairam Thakur criticized the state government for delaying action, urging a resolution to respect the sentiments of Hindus and the local population. He also called for peaceful protests within the legal framework.

The district magistrate imposed prohibitory orders in the Sanjauli area from 7:00 AM to 11:59 PM on Wednesday, citing concerns over public peace and safety.

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Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that while people have the right to protest, demonstrations should remain peaceful and avoid damage to property.