Shimla, Sept 19,
The Himachal Pradesh Police are preparing to file charges against a Gram Panchayat head for delivering a communal hate speech at Nerwa, located in Chopal subdivision, on Wednesday.
Superintendent of Police Shimla, Sanjeev Gandhi, confirmed that the matter is under active investigation, and appropriate legal action will be initiated against all involved individuals.
The incident comes at a time when Himachal Pradesh, typically known for its communal harmony, is witnessing rising tensions and protests targeting minority communities and their places of worship.
The recent escalation in communal strife was triggered by an altercation between two groups of youths from different religious backgrounds at a marketplace in Kasumpti constituency. This minor scuffle subsequently evolved into broader communal tensions, particularly around the construction of a mosque in Sanjouli. Supporters of a Congress MLA, a Minister, and several councillors from the Shimla Municipal Corporation have been opposing the multistorey mosque construction.
Additionally, right-wing organizations have joined forces with these political figures to voice opposition to the project. These tensions reached a peak during a protest on September 11, which saw violence erupt, resulting in injuries to six police personnel who were attempting to control the crowd. The state police have since arrested around 70 individuals involved in stone-pelting and breaching peace.
However, the pattern of protests has now extended beyond Shimla to other districts, including Mandi, Palampur, and Solan. The police are expected to file charges against those involved in hate speech, vandalism, unlawful assembly, and other related offenses.
Himachal, a state where approximately 97% of the population belongs to the Hindu community, has historically not experienced major communal violence, aside from a few minor incidents.
Despite the rising tensions, the Congress-led state government appears to be taking a restrained approach toward the protests, while the opposition BJP has refrained from publicly supporting these protests.
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