Shimla, Sept 28,
The Muslim Welfare Community has challenged the decision of the Commissioner Court in the Himachal Pradesh High Court regarding the illegal construction of a mosque in Mandi district. The controversy began when the Municipal Corporation of Mandi ordered the demolition of two unauthorized floors of the mosque, which had been built without approval. The Commissioner Court had directed the removal of the illegal construction within 30 days and restoration of the structure to its original state. The community has now filed a petition seeking a stay on this order in the Shimla High Court.
The mosque, located on Jail Road, is built on land owned by the Muslim Welfare Community. However, the Municipal Corporation objected to the construction as it had not received the necessary building approvals. In response to the court’s decision, the community began voluntarily dismantling portions of the structure encroaching on Public Works Department land. Additionally, utilities such as electricity and water, provided by the Jal Shakti Department and the Electricity Board, were disconnected. Barricades have been placed around the mosque, and the main entrance remains locked. A community representative confirmed that they will continue to pursue the matter in court.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising in the district, as the Dev Bhoomi Sangharsh Samiti, a local Hindu organization, has planned a religious march on September 28. The procession, led by Mahamandaleshwar and accompanied by Naga Sadhus, will travel through Mandi city, engaging in bhajan-kirtan (devotional singing). Hindu organizations in the city have held meetings to organize the event and rally local support for preserving “Dev culture.”
In light of these developments, the local police have heightened security, with additional patrolling to prevent any untoward incidents during the procession. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sagar Chandra confirmed that authorities are closely monitoring the situation to maintain peace and order. The upcoming religious procession, coupled with the legal battle over the mosque, is creating a charged atmosphere in Mandi, drawing attention to the broader issue of unauthorized constructions in the region. The High Court’s ruling could set a significant precedent for similar cases across the state.
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