Shimla Mosque Row: Himachal Police On High Alert As Hindu Outfits Call For Protest, Prohibitory Orders Issued

Hindu groups have called for protests in Shimla over an alleged illegal mosque construction ahead of which heavy police presence and prohibitory orders have been implemented.

Police have been deployed in Shimla after Hindu outfits gave call for protest against alleged illegal construction of a mosque.

Source : ANI

Heavy police deployment has been made in Shimla as some Hindu outfits have given a call for protest in Sanjauli on the issue of the alleged illegal construction of a mosque. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of Bharat Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. 2023 has been imposed in the area prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons in public places without any permission.

The police also carried out a peace march from Sanjaulo Chowk to Dhalli Tunnel. 

District Magistrate Anupam Kashyap issued an order stating that necessary steps are needed to be taken to urgently prevent any untoward incident, breach of public peace and tranquillity and activities endangering public life and property in Shimla town, especially Sanjauli area, reported The Times of India. 

Under the prohibitory orders, all kinds of public rallies, processions without permission and demonstration strikes including hunger strikes and dharna in public places have been prohibited. 

#WATCH | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: Heavy police deployed at the Dhalli Tunnel East portal in view of the protests against the alleged construction issue of Sanjauli mosque pic.twitter.com/OvxJAKMq32

— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

The order also prohibits the carrying of lethal weapons and arms, including lathis, daggers, sticks, spears, swords, and inflammable articles.

Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar said that life is normal and police have been deployed as a precaution. Drone surveillance is also being carried out, he said. 

"If someone breaches the law, then we will collect adequate evidence against such people... The people of Himachal are peace-loving people... So, even if people gather, it will be a peaceful demonstration," said the police official. 

"The stakeholders also said that the demonstration will be peaceful... We have taken all precautionary measures... We want to caution people that the law will take its course and peace is the ultimate solution... We hope no one breaches the law and creates legal complications for themselves...," he added.