Sanjauli Mosque, located in Sanjauli, Himachal Pradesh, is one of the prominent mosques in the Shimla region.[1] It serves as a key place of worship for the local Muslim community, as well as for visitors to the area.[2][3][4]
History
editThe Sanjauli Mosque, located in Sanjauli, Himachal Pradesh, is a notable place of worship for the local Muslim community in the Shimla region. Initially established in 1907, the mosque has seen multiple expansions over the years, including the addition of extra floors after 2007.[5]
Architecture
editThe mosque exhibits a traditional Islamic architectural style, with a clean and modest design. It typically has features like arches and a minaret, common in many Indian mosques.[6] Given its location in a hilly area, the structure blends harmoniously with the local landscape.
Architecturally, the mosque showcases traditional Islamic design with arches and a minaret, blending well with the scenic hilly surroundings.[7]
Controversy
editOn August 30, 2024, a group linked to the mosque allegedly attacked local traders, which further intensified tensions.[8]
Hindu groups and local residents have raised concerns over the mosque's expansion, claiming that it is illegal and that the land belongs to the revenue department, not the Waqf Board. While the Waqf Board acknowledges the original mosque structure, they are uncertain about the legality of the added floors. They have requested the court not to demolish the mosque while they seek approval for the construction.[9]
The issue has sparked protests by Hindu right-wing organizations, who argue that the mosque is being used to harbor "outsiders," raising communal tensions.[10] The situation has garnered political attention, with some local leaders advocating for the mosque's demolition, while the state government has emphasized equal rights for all citizens and vowed to maintain peace.[11][12]
On 5 October 2024, the Municipal Corporation Commissioner granted permission to demolish a part of the Mosque. The mosque committee had voluntarily come forward and offered to carry out the demolition. A two-month timeframe has been given for this.[13]
References
edit- ^ PTI (2024-09-12). "Sanjauli mosque row: Muslim panel asks municipal corporation to seal illegal portion; offers to demolish it". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-09-21.
- ^ "All-party meet over Sanjauli mosque dispute ends, policy for street vendors on the cards". The Indian Express. 2024-09-13. Retrieved 2024-09-21.
- ^ "Sanjauli Mosque: लटक सकता है संजौली मस्जिद का फैसला, जमीन की नहीं हुई पैमाइश; पिछली सुनवाई में दिए थे निर्देश". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-09-21.
- ^ "Muslim panel offers Shimla civic body to demolish 'illegal' portion of Sanjauli mosque". India Today. 2024-09-12. Retrieved 2024-09-21.
- ^ Chouhan, Nirmanyu (2024-09-14). "Himachal Pradesh: With Sanjauli mosque, BJP once again uses urban planning as a Hindutva weapon". Scroll.in. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
- ^ ANI (2024-09-11). "Sanjauli Mosque Row: Heavy police force deployed in Shimla ahead of protest march". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-09-21.
- ^ "Shimla mosque row: As stir intensifies, police use water canons on protesters, resort to lathi-charge". The Times of India. 2024-09-11. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-09-21.
- ^ "Shimla Mosque Protest: क्या है संजौली मस्जिद विवाद? हिंदू संगठन क्यों कर रहे हैं गिराने की मांग; जानें सब कुछ". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-09-21.
- ^ "Protesters demanding demolition break through barricades, clash with police". The Indian Express. 2024-09-11. Retrieved 2024-09-21.
- ^ "Sanjauli Masjid Row: Why Locals Are Protesting In Shimla? What Led To Waqf Board's Intervention | Explained". English Jagran. 2024-09-06. Retrieved 2024-09-21.
- ^ Begam, Amana (2024-09-13). "Reality behind Shimla mosque protest Indians ignore—Hindu fears over 'changing demography'". ThePrint. Retrieved 2024-09-21.
- ^ Staff, Maktoob (2024-09-06). "Hindutva groups protest outside Sanjauli Masjid in Shimla, calls for demolition of "illegal mosque"". Maktoob media. Retrieved 2024-09-21.
- ^ Ranjan, Ravi (2024-10-06). "Sanjauli Mosque: संजौली मस्जिद पर चलेगा बुलडोजर, गिराए जाएंगे तीन फ्लोर, मस्जिद कमेटी अपने खर्च पर तोड़ेगी". Lalluram (in Hindi). Retrieved 2024-10-06.