Himachal LoP Jairam Thakur says, “Action should be taken” on alleged illegal construction of Sanjauli Mosque

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 6 (ANI): Even as the state witnessed massive protests over the alleged illegal construction of the Sanjauli Mosque, politics over the issue continues. On Friday the leader of opposition in the Himachal Pradesh legislative assembly and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jai Ram Thakur demanded action against the construction of the mosque.

“People from different sections of society participated in the protests yesterday. They are demanding that the building should be removed,” Himachal Pradesh LoP Jairam Thakur said.

He stated that the law and order of the state are the responsibility of the state government, and they should be taken care of properly.

“If the building is unauthorised, action should be taken immediately. This is a massive structure, and the action should be taken immediately. If the action is not taken, I feel the anger among the people will not stop,” BJP leader Jairam Thakur said.

He demanded that there should be verification of the outsiders settled in the Himachal Pradesh in the recent past.

“Verification of the people who came from outside has not been done. It is very important to find out who they are and from where they have come. The verification should be done,” he added.

Earlier on Friday, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu appealed for peace between communities in the wake of the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in Sanjauli, and said that the state government’s duty was to ensure peace between the communities and the dispute would be settled in the court.

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “India is a secular country. All religions are respected here. We shouldn’t get carried away by emotions. We should work as per the law.

The protest happened peacefully, and the government is monitoring the situation. As per the law, we will take further action. Our duty is to make sure there is peace between all the communities.”

He further stated that he was happy that protests were peaceful in nature.

Sukhu added, “If the protesters are calling it illegal construction, then the issue is in court. The court will decide it. Our aim is to maintain the peace between the communities. I am happy that no violence has been reported. Himachal Pradesh is a peaceful state.”

On Thursday, a large number of people gathered outside the Sanjauli Masjid in Shimla to protest against the alleged illegal construction of the mosque.

Notably, the fate of the mosque will be decided in the Municipal Commissioner’s court. The case has been scheduled to be heard on September 7, in which it will be decided whether the ‘unauthorised construction’ should be demolished or not.

The Sanjauli Mosque row continues to stir political debate in Himachal Pradesh, with both BJP and Congress leaders engaging in a blame game on the floor or the assembly.