Shimla, Sept 25,
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has announced its intention to seek justice through the Himachal Pradesh High Court in the matter of the Sanjauli Masjid dispute in Shimla.
AIMIM’s Delhi President, Dr. Shoaib Jamai, visited the mosque and posted a video on social media, alleging discriminatory actions against the mosque in comparison to other illegal constructions in the area.
Dr. Jamai highlighted that the Shimla Municipal Corporation had previously identified 7,000 illegal constructions, many of which were taller than the Sanjauli Masjid. In his video, he questioned why the mosque had been specifically targeted, stating, “Will the bulldozer run on all, or was only the mosque singled out?” He also presented live footage claiming to show evidence of the illegal structures surrounding the mosque.
In response to this, AIMIM has decided to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court, demanding that all illegal constructions be treated equally under the law.
The dispute over illegal constructions in Shimla has taken on a communal dimension in recent weeks. Right-wing organizations have been calling for the demolition of illegal structures associated with minority shrines, following a clash between two groups of youth, one of which involved minority migrant vendors.
These groups have demanded isolated action against minority religious sites, further escalating tensions in the town.
In response to these developments, AIMIM and other minority outfits, including those led by Ausudeen Owaisi, have vowed to defend the rights of the minority community. Their spokespersons have confirmed that they will take legal action, seeking justice for the community and urging the courts to ensure that the law is applied fairly to all illegal constructions, regardless of religious affiliation.
Meanwhile, Imam Mohammad Shahzad of Jama Masjid Sanjauli has distanced the local community from AIMIM’s statements. He emphasized that the local community remains committed to its earlier decision and denied any involvement in the planned legal action by AIMIM.
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