The issue of the mosque located in Sanjauli, Himachal Pradesh has once again started heating up. Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti has termed the mosque as completely illegal and claimed that it has been constructed on government land. The committee has expressed apprehension of irregularities in the revenue records regarding this construction and has asked to take the matter seriously.
Construction of mosque on government land: Committee’s claim
The committee’s local lawyer Jagatpal told a press conference that according to the revenue records and gathering so far, the ownership of the land on which the mosque is built is with the Himachal Pradesh government. He said that the delay in presenting the revenue records by the Waqf Board also raises doubts.
Accusations against Municipal Corporation Commissioner
Jagatpal accused the Municipal Corporation Commissioner of disobeying the orders of the High Court. He said that the committee will soon approach the High Court regarding the delay in the decision.
peaceful movement of the committee
Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti’s provincial secretary Vijendra Pal Singh said that the committee’s movement regarding the mosque has always been peaceful. He also informed that an FIR has been registered against some persons in the matter. The committee respected the court’s decision and said that they were waiting for the court’s order.
Action like Uttar Pradesh should be taken in Himachal also
Giving the example of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Vijendra Pal said that when illegal construction is found on government land, orders are given to remove it immediately. He demanded that a similar process be adopted in Himachal Pradesh also.
Order to demolish three floors
The court of Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner has declared the three floors of the mosque illegal and has ordered their demolition. The mosque committee has started the process of demolishing the construction. However, in the hearing held on December 23, the Mosque Committee cited the shortage of labor and said there would be a delay in the work.
Waqf Board could not present revenue records
The Mosque Committee and the Waqf Board have not yet been able to present the revenue records proving ownership of the land in the court. The Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s court has ordered that the illegal construction be removed and a status report be filed by March 15, 2024.
Demand for government action
Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti has demanded from the state government that the illegal construction should be removed as soon as possible, so that the dispute does not escalate further. The committee also clarified that their objective is only to remove illegal encroachment on government land and not to affect religious harmony.
This matter is constantly in the headlines due to religious and legal complications. Now the court’s decision and administrative action will play an important role in resolving this dispute.
