Daijiworld Media Network – Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Nov 16: Tension gripped Shimla’s Sanjauli area after six people — including four women allegedly blocked devotees from offering namaz at a mosque that had earlier been declared illegal by a local court. The incident, which occurred on Friday, has prompted the Himachal Pradesh Police to register a case for disturbing communal harmony.

According to sources, a group of devotees from outside the state had arrived at the Sanjauli mosque to offer prayers. Members linked to the Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti reportedly gathered at the spot and stopped them, insisting that “prayers cannot be allowed in a structure declared illegal by the court.”

Police personnel rushed to the location, but the accused allegedly continued to oppose the devotees. They were seen raising slogans, demanding identity proofs from Muslims, and questioning how namaz could be offered inside a mosque under court orders for demolition.

A video of the incident, now viral on social media, shows some local residents preventing devotees from entering the premises and sending them back. The women involved also claimed they would not allow Muslims to pass by their houses, alleging that they “peered inside their homes.”

Taking cognisance of the situation, police booked all six accused for creating a law-and-order disturbance and disrupting communal peace. Officials said further investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, the Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti submitted a memorandum to senior Shimla police officers, demanding restrictions on the growing number of people visiting the site for namaz, stating that “their identities cannot be verified.” The Samiti has also urged authorities to disconnect the mosque’s electricity and water supply, citing the court’s order declaring the structure illegal.

Authorities have assured that measures are being taken to maintain peace and prevent escalation in the sensitive area.