Tensions Flare in Himachal Pradesh Over Mosque Demolition Demands

Hindu groups in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi protested demanding the demolition of an unauthorised portion of a mosque, which led to clashes with security forces. Similar protests occurred in Shimla, resulting in injuries and detentions. The state's Chief Minister emphasized peace and lawful handling of unauthorized constructions.

Friday saw Hindu groups in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi staging a protest demanding the demolition of an unauthorised portion of a mosque, leading police to use water cannons to disperse the crowd.

In an escalated series of protests, tensions rose this week when Hindu groups in Shimla clashed with security during a similar demonstration demanding the demolition of an illegal portion of another mosque.

Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, called for peace and stressed that all unauthorized constructions would be handled lawfully, emphasizing the need for communal harmony in the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)