Shimla Protests: Traders Close Shops in Bandh Over Alleged Police Brutality

Shimla Beopar Mandal organized a bandh from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to protest against police force used on Hindu protestors. All shops in the city remained closed. Traders marched to the District Collector's office. Minister Vikramaditya Singh stated government support for resolving issues lawfully.

Shimla Beopar Mandal called for a bandh from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, opposing the police's use of force on Hindu protestors during a march on Wednesday. Shops in the city and nearby suburbs were shut down in solidarity. Traders also organized a march from the Lower Bazar area to the District Collector's office.

Vinod Lakhanpal, one of the protestors, emphasized that the protest was in response to the police's lathi charge. 'We are protesting against the lathi charge on our brothers as they headed towards Sanjauli. This action highlights the government's failure,' he stated.

Another protestor warned that if their demands are not met by 1 p.m., further action would be taken. 'If the government does not address our demands by 1 p.m., we will escalate our actions,' he said.

Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh commented on the protest concerning the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in Sanjauli. 'The government sympathizes with the protestors and aims to resolve the issue lawfully. We want peace to prevail in Himachal Pradesh,' Singh told the media.

'This issue has been pending for a while. The government has taken notice of the illegal constructions, and action will be taken in accordance with the law. If the buildings are found illegal, they will be demolished,' he added.

(With inputs from agencies.)