Sanjauli mosque committee starts demolishing illegal structure after receiving permis
Sanjauli mosque committee starts demolishing illegal structure after receiving permission from Himachal Waqf Board
M.U.H
21/10/202439
A fortnight after a Shimla court ordered the demolition of the three unauthorised storeys of the five-floor Sanjauli mosque, its managing committee, known as the Sanjauli Mosque Committee, began the demolition on Monday.
Mohammed Latif, president of the Sanjauli Mosque Committee, said, “We sought permission from the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board, as the mosque is located on Waqf Board land. We received the permission. Today, we brought in labourers to begin removing the temporary tin roof and attics of the mosque. We are complying with the court’s decision. It will take several days to demolish the entire illegal structure.”
Sources said that the state Waqf Board granted permission to demolish the illegal portion of the mosque two days ago. Zaffar Iqbal, chief executive officer of the state Waqf Board, told The Indian Express, “Permission was given to the Sanjauli Mosque Committee to demolish the illegal structure in accordance with the court’s order.”
On October 5, the court of Municipal Commissioner Bhupender Kumar Attri accepted the mosque committee’s submission, allowing the demolition of the three-story structure within two months. The next hearing is scheduled for December 21.
At least 10 people, including six police personnel and four civilians, were injured on September 11 when protesters demanding the demolition of the mosque clashed with the police at Sanjauli. At least 15 FIRs were registered, and more than 60 suspects, including members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti, and the BJP, were identified for their alleged involvement in the clash.
On September 12, the mosque committee submitted a memorandum to the municipal commissioner, urging him to seal the unauthorised portion of the mosque. They also assured that they would demolish the unauthorised portion themselves once the court delivered its verdict on the matter.
Last week, Sanjauli Mosque Committee wrote to the CEO of the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board seeking permission to demolish the mosque’s allegedly illegal three-story structure.