Himachal Ministers Urge Peace Amid Sanjauli Mosque Protests

Himachal Pradesh Ministers Rohit Thakur and Vikramaditya Singh called for peace amid protests against the alleged illegal construction of Sanjauli mosque. They emphasized trust in law, assuring action if the structure is deemed illegal after municipal review. Police resorted to water cannons and lathicharge to control escalating tensions.

Amid ongoing protests against the alleged illegal construction of the Sanjauli mosque, Himachal Pradesh Minister Rohit Thakur on Wednesday called for maintaining peace and trust in the legal system. Recalling the state's history of communal harmony, Thakur urged the public to conduct their demonstrations peacefully.

'There has never been communal violence in our state. Himachal is known as Devbhoomi. The situation is currently normal, and daily public life continues smoothly,' Thakur stated, appealing to all sections of society to respect the law and peaceful heritage of Himachal Pradesh. He emphasized that while protests are a democratic right, they must adhere to legal boundaries.

Minister Vikramaditya Singh also stressed that protests should not disrupt peace and promised government action if the mosque is found illegal. Singh mentioned that preventive measures have been taken, including the imposition of Section 163 and converting the area into a police camp, to ensure law and order. He clarified that any action regarding the mosque would follow the Municipal Commissioner's decision.

The protests, led by Hindu organizations, saw police deploying water cannons and conducting lathicharge to disperse protesters marching towards the Sanjauli area of Shimla. Protestors clashed with security forces after removing barricades at the Dhalli Tunnel East portal.

(With inputs from agencies.)