Shimla mosque row: Muslim panel urges civic body to seal unauthorised section, vows to demolish it

NEW DELHI: Amid the raging controversy over the alleged illegal construction at a mosque in Shimla's Sanjauli area, a Muslim panel has approached the municipal corporation, requesting the civic body to seal the unauthorised section of the building.
The panel has also expressed its willingness to demolish the unauthorised part of the structure.
The city has been grappling with widespread protests against the construction.
On Wednesday, despite prohibitory orders, thousands of protesters clashed with the police, demanding the demolition of the alleged illegal mosque.
The protests, led by various Hindu groups, saw demonstrators breaking through police barricades and pelting stones, prompting the police to resort to a lathicharge and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
Several protesters and police personnel sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals for treatment.
Despite orders from the Shimla district magistrate prohibiting large gatherings and heavy police deployment, Hindu organizations, including the Hindu Jagran Manch, proceeded with their demonstration in Sanjauli.
Himachal Pradesh public works minister Vikramaditya Singh stated on Wednesday that if the Shimla municipal commissioner’s court rules the mosque's construction illegal, it will be demolished, but the state government remains committed to adhering to the rule of law.
(With agency inputs)