Mosque Row: Himachal CM Sukhu Says ‘Local Dispute Flared Up By Local Leaders’ Amid Protests In Mandi, Shimla

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu called for peace and unity, urging against provocative remarks and upholding the law. He appreciated the Muslim community's voluntary efforts to resolve the issue.

Amidst escalating tensions over the demand to demolish an "unauthorised" mosque structure in Mandi and protests by Hindu groups, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called for peace and unity on Friday, emphasising that tourists are welcome. He also stressed that the local dispute was flared up by the local leaders leading to the current tensions.

In a media briefing after an all-party meeting with state Congress chief Pratibha Singh, BJP leader Randhir Sharma, CPI(M) leader Rakesh Singha, and AAP leader Surjit Singh, Sukhu urged everyone to uphold peace and avoid provocative remarks. He underlines that no one is permitted to take the law into their own hands.

"I have appealed to everyone to maintain peace and make no provocative statements, and that is why an all-party meeting. No one is allowed to take the law into their hands." "We respect everyone. The land of Himachal has respect for all religions," news agency PTI quoted CM Sukhu as saying.

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Appreciates Muslim Community's Voluntary Efforts In Mosque Demolition Row

Referring to recent protests by Hindu organisations demanding the removal of the mosque structure in Mandi, the chief minister acknowledged that Himachal Pradesh is known for its protests but asserted that they should remain peaceful. "We all sitting here are a product of the student movement," Sukhu said.

He also appreciated the Muslim community's voluntary efforts to address the issue by demolishing part of the mosque. Welcoming their initiative, CM reiterated that peace and brotherhood should prevail in the state, and as per the law, all illegal constructions would be dealt with strictly. No one has the right to hurt the sentiments of any community.

"It is not a religious issue. All communities are equal and live peacefully here." "A small dispute between two persons led to the current situation. A local dispute was flared up by the local leaders," the chief minister said, news agency PTI reported.

The conflict started on the night of August 30 when a Hindu shopkeeper from Malyana and other local shopkeepers were attacked with rods and sticks by a group of about six people from the minority community while they were returning home. Four shopkeepers were injured in the incident.

The altercation started after a verbal argument, during which a Hindu businessman suffered a head injury. "The main problem is of street vendors and locals give them a place to sit in front of their shops on rent. As a result of this, there is no space to walk. The Assembly Speaker has been authorised to constitute a committee to draft a policy for the street venders," the Himachal Chief Minister remarked, as quoted by PTI.

He added that Himachal Pradesh, being part of India, allows everyone the right to work within the boundaries of the law. All parties agree that Himachal should remain a peaceful state where no community is harmed.

When asked about the lathi charge and stone-pelting incidents during the protest in Shimla on Wednesday, he mentioned that while most people protest peacefully, there are always some troublemakers who provoke others.

Sukhu denied making any comments on Congress minister Anirudh Singh's claim that the previous BJP government funded the mosque's construction during the COVID-19 pandemic.