Protests Escalate in Shimla Over Sanjauli Mosque Controversy: Security Tightened

Protests over the Sanjauli mosque controversy continue in Shimla. Authorities deploy security forces and issue calls for peaceful demonstrations amid rising tensions. Police use water cannons to disperse crowds as Hindu organizations gather demanding action against alleged illegal mosque construction. Eight FIRs registered and several police injured.

As protests continued in Shimla over the Sanjauli mosque controversy on Friday, Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan announced the deployment of security forces. 'People from the Mandi district and beyond held protests, urging peaceful expression of views. They demanded action against the Sanjauli Mosque. We clarified facts amidst rampant social media rumours,' Devgan told ANI.

Devgan added, 'The Muslim community is cooperating, expressing their intention to abide by the law. Given the situation, part of the area has been closed, and security forces will monitor the region. Alternate routes will be accessible.' Meanwhile, Hindu organizations protested on Friday. As crowds attempted to breach barricades, police deployed water cannons to disperse them.

Despite the mosque authorities' demolition of unauthorized structures, protests were called by Hindu groups. Large gatherings took place along Mandi's jail road, with protestors chanting against the state government, demanding action against the alleged illegal construction. The Himachal Pradesh Police had earlier ramped up security around Jail Road.

Mandi Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma stated that increased security followed intelligence about a planned gathering. 'Law and order will be maintained. Around 300 police personnel are deployed in the city with checkpoints at Mandi town's entrances,' Verma said. The protest followed earlier demonstrations against the mosque's illegal construction.

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Chetan Bragta criticized the police's use of force, calling it an attack on Hindus by the Congress-led government. 'First Shimla, now Mandi--using water cannons to suppress people. What is this government aiming to achieve?' he questioned. Police had released video footage of stone-pelting from Wednesday's protests in Sanjauli.

Eight FIRs have been registered, with six policemen injured, including a woman officer with serious vertebral fractures. Clashes ignited Wednesday after protestors dismantled barricades, leading to confrontations with security forces using water cannons and lathi-charges near the Dhalli Tunnel East portal in Shimla.

(With inputs from agencies.)