Shimla. Amid ongoing protests in Himachal Pradesh demanding demolition of illegally constructed mosques, a Muslim organization said that there are no illegal mosques in the state but the problem is being faced due to the delay in getting the map approved in the government records. .
Hindu organizations that took out a yatra in Kullu demanding the demolition of the mosque clashed with the police on Monday.
Protestors of ‘Hindu Dharma Jagran Yatra’ marched from Hanuman Temple to Akhara Mosque amid tight security. A large number of people, including women, took out a march carrying saffron flags and placards calling for the demolition of the mosque in Kullu. Musicians playing local instruments and women in traditional attire were leading the procession.
The demand for demolition of illegally constructed mosques started after a scuffle between a Muslim barber and a Hindu businessman in Malayana area of Shimla on August 30. This scuffle later turned into a communal issue. Hindu groups are demanding demolition of alleged illegal mosques while locals are demanding identification of outsiders coming to the state.
Mandi-based Muslim Welfare Committee President Naheem Ahmed, meanwhile, told PTI on Monday, “No mosque is illegal in Himachal Pradesh but there has been a delay in getting the map approved and other related processes. “If any part is found illegal, we will remove the structures ourselves.” He said that a meeting of representatives of Muslim community was held in Balh area of Mandi on Sunday.
Ahmed said that it was decided to form a state level committee of the minority community and they would meet the Chief Minister to apprise him about the current situation. He said that Muslim leaders believe that some people are spreading hatred and such activities should be stopped. Ahmed said that every person coming from outside should be tested, irrespective of his religion. Earlier on Sunday, Kullu district administration had said that the mosque located in Akhara Bazaar is not illegal.
According to the administration, there is some difference between the area of the mosque in the government records and the actual area covered by it.
The district administration said that the matter of regularization of the mosque is pending with the Town and Country Planning Department. According to the administration, the total area of the mosque is 980 square meters and a difference of about 150 square meters has been found in it. Jama Masjid located in Kullu was built pre-independence and its mention is also found in the gazette notification of the state government dated August 15, 1970.