The illegal construction case of the Sanjauli Mosque in Shimla is causing deep tensions throughout the city. Many sections in Shimla are drawing their attention to the case. What has now become a judicial wrangle is now turning into a thread of communal discourses as both the authorities. And the members of the local community are trying to keep it peaceful. Amidst all the growing protests, a will to abide by the legal requirements has now also been aired by the very same leadership of the mosque. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the Muslim community is ready to demolish illegal portions built around the Sanjauli mosque.
Sanjauli Mosque Illegal Construction: Statement by CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
While there have now come statements that support the demolition of the illegal construction from the leaders of the Sanjauli Mosque, including the Imam, Sukhu said the mosque authorities have declared that if the structure is deemed illegal, they will demolish it. He underlined the fact that this cooperation represents a resolve by the Muslim community towards respecting the rule of law and said what has been decided is in line with efforts to maintain communal harmony in the area.
“The people of the mosque themselves said that if something is illegal, we will demolish it,” said CM Sukhu, referring to the proactive stance of the community in addressing the issue.
Stand of Sanjauli Mosque Committee
Lucky Mohammad Latif Negi, Chairman of the case committee, Sanjauli Mosque, said partial demolition of the mosque would commence soon. With permission from the Himachal Waqf Board, the Municipal Corporation Shimla has been directed to start the process of demolition. After a ruling by the court. The demolition process, as told by Negi, will begin from the roof of the mosque while admitting that the work might take time as it begins in the ongoing session of winter and is presently less financial.
According to Negi, though the mosque committee had got the go-ahead for demolition works. They are severely being battered by funding bottlenecks.
“Everyone is donating money to create a mosque, but no one is willing to donate funds to demolish it,” Negi said, articulating the funding problems the committee faces.
Sanjauli Mosque Illegal ConstructionFund Raising Bottlenecks and Demolition Delayed
The committee of the Sanjauli Mosque has, therefore, written to the Board of Trustees requesting further support for demolition work. According to Negi, though they have got all permissions, the financial constraints are delaying the process. Besides, winter is approaching in Shimla, and the committee expects that the demolition work would take at least five months to be completed.
Even when the court asks them to complete the demolition process in two months’ time. It is going to ask for more time because the hurdles are all about logistics and funds. Patiently, let people hear the both sides of the argument, I maintained.
Peaceful Resolution in the Face of Communal Tension
The mosque leadership has welcomed being cooperative with the authorities and adhering to legal rulings as a healthy step to maintain peace in the community. Various organizations have shown supporting rallies and urged people to come together and remain calm as tension rises. Making the move to carry out the demolition despite. The odds shows determination on the side of the Muslim community to adhere to the law while living in harmony.
Conclusion
The Sanjauli Mosque issue is a rather sensitive one. However, the leadership at the mosque wanted to address the illegality. The hope is that it will be peacefully resolved. The demolition process can begin, and efforts from the authorities. Local communities are crucial in keeping communal harmony alive while following legal processes.
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