- By Imran Zafar
- Mon, 02 Sep 2024 12:15 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Nearly 500 people gathered in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla on Sunday to protest against alleged illegal construction of a mosque and the recent attack on a trader in the Malyana area. The demonstrators staged a protest at Sanjauli and called for the demolition of the structure. Their demands also added the registration of an attempted murder case against those responsible for seriously injuring the businessman on Friday night.
The protestors expressed concerns over the alleged increasing number of migrants from the minority community in Shimla, demanding police verification and registration of these individuals.
In #HimachalPradesh's #Shimla, #Hindutva group held a protest raising slogans for the demolition of a 4-storey mosque.
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) September 1, 2024
They gathered to recite Bhajan in front of the mosque demanding its removal. pic.twitter.com/FWECYHT0Y2
Senior district officials, including Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, arrived at the scene to address the crowd and maintain peace. The official assured that the attack on the trader would be treated as an attempted murder case, with the investigation led by a DSP-ranked officer.
Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi also confirmed that migrants from other states would be registered while Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap said the investigation would be conducted under relevant provisions.
A civic body official stated that the top floor of the mosque was unauthorised and proceedings regarding the issue are currently underway in the municipal corporation court. The official added that a toilet, constructed "illegally" a month ago, was demolished after a 24-hour notice.
The unrest began after a group of traders, including the injured businessman, were allegedly attacked by six individuals from a minority community on Friday night. The businessman sustained severe head injuries, leading to the police registering an FIR. The incident has heightened tensions in the area, with authorities urging calm as investigations continue.
