• Source:JND
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The demolition of illegal portions of the Sanjauli mosque in Shimla commenced on Monday, starting with the roof. The demolition began following an order by the Shimla Municipal Commissioner's court to remove three unauthorised floors of the worship place. The Waqf Board had been given two months to carry out the demolition order issued on October 5. However, the board only received a copy of the order on October 16, according to Sanjauli mosque committee president Muhammad Latif.

Muhammad Latif, who had been part of a delegation that voluntarily offered to demolish the unauthorised floors in September, explained that the decision was made to maintain peace and harmony in the region, reported News 18. This offer came a day after 10 people were injured during a protest demanding the mosque's demolition.

The Muslim Welfare Committee also submitted a representation requesting the municipal commissioner to seal the unauthorised portions of the mosque, pledging to handle the demolition themselves. However, the decision created divisions among Muslim groups in the state.

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The All Himachal Muslim Organisation (AHMO) announced plans to challenge the order in court, arguing that the individuals who made the offer had no authority to do so. AHMO spokesperson Nazakat Ali Hashmi contended that the unauthorised storeys are not illegal, as the land belongs to the Waqf Board and approvals for the construction are still pending with the authorities.

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The unrest in Shimla reportedly began after a group of traders, including the injured businessman, were allegedly attacked by six individuals from a minority community in early September. The businessman sustained severe head injuries, leading to the police registering an FIR. The incident heightened tensions in the area which later turned into a communal dispute and calls were then raised to demolish the unauthorised sections of the mosque.  

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