Bandh Shuts Down Shimla Over Mosque Demolition Dispute

Shops closed in Shimla during a bandh called to protest police action on demonstrators demanding the demolition of a mosque's unauthorized portion. In Mandi, the Muslim community demolished an illegal mosque structure. The bandh was peaceful; some injuries occurred during protests. Videos of the demolition went viral.

Shops and business establishments remained closed in Shimla during a three-hour bandh on Thursday, called in protest against police actions on demonstrators. These protesters demanded the demolition of an unauthorized portion of a mosque in Sanjauli.

Meanwhile, in Mandi, members of the Muslim community took down an unauthorized extension of a mosque on Jail Road themselves. The construction was on land belonging to the Public Works Department, which had served notice to the mosque management.

The bandh in Shimla, called by the Shimla Beopar Mandal associated with the BJP, lasted from 10 AM to 1 PM. Protesters marched to the deputy commissioner's office and rallied there. Sanjeev Thakur, president of the traders' organization, claimed the bandh was complete and peaceful.

Protesters from Hindu groups, demanding the demolition of the disputed mosque structure and the registration of outsiders coming to the state, faced baton charges and water cannons after breaking barricades on Wednesday. Ten injuries, including six police personnel, were reported.

Videos of the mosque demolition by Muslim community members in Mandi have gone viral. Iqbal Ali, a member of the mosque committee, stated that the PWD had served a notice about the encroachment, prompting the community to demolish the wall themselves to maintain brotherhood and abide by norms.

(With inputs from agencies.)