Tensions escalated in Shimla as protests intensified against the construction of an alleged illegal mosque in the city. Some Hindu outfits had given a call for a protest after which police force was heavily deployed in the Sanjauli area to maintain law and order situation.
However, as the protestors clashed with police, cops resorted to mild baton charges and water cannons to disperse the agitators as they tried to breach the barricading in a bid to reach the mosque site.
Ahead of the protest call, prohibitory orders were issued under Section 163 of Bharat Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 by Shimla administration. As per the order, assembly of five or more persons in public places without any permission was prohibited.
One of the protestors claimed that the demonstrators were being detained by the police from various places, reported ABP News.
Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur said that this is a matter related to public sentiments. "The government should take this seriously," said the former Chief Minister while speaking to ABP News. He also claimed that the government is trying to "suppress" this matter.
"There should not be lathi charge on the protesters," he added.
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Raising slogans of "Jai Shri Ram" and "Hindu Ekta Zindabad", scores of protestors gathered at the Sabzi Mandi Dhalli and started marching towards Sanjauli to lodge their protest and broke police barricades during demonstration.
As the protestors broke the second barricade, police resorted to lathi-charge and used water cannons to disperse them.