Locals want Kasumpti mosque razed; not illegal, says Waqf Board

Expressing concern over the increase in number of unidentified persons in Kasumpti and seeking demolition of an alleged illegal mosque in the area, residents today submitted a memorandum to the district administration.

The Waqf Board, however, claimed that the mosque was not disputed and present there before Independence.

A delegation of the residents, led by Rachana Sharma, Councillor, Kasumpti ward, met Shimla Deputy Commissioner Amit Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi and Municipal Commissioner Bhupinder Attri and submitted the memorandum regarding their demands. The officials assured them of considering their demands.

As per Rachana Sharma, “The unauthorised structure built by a specific community in Kusampti has been declared illegal by the Municipal Corporation. The structure, which was never a mosque or a religious site, is now being used by members of a particular community for routine gathering. The orders to demolish the structure were issued by the Municipal Commissioner last year, but it has not been razed yet.”

She alleged that it was surprising that none of these persons were permanent residents of the Kasumpti market area. “The people who are gathering here daily are not registered neither there is any information about their origin and residence. This has led to rising tensions,” she added.

“We respect every religion and do not intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments, but the manner in which the mosque has been constructed and people belonging to a particular community holding gatherings are a matter of concern. We demand the administration to take appropriate action in the matter,” she said.

The councillor said who would be responsible if any unpleasant incident occurred in the market. “We, as responsible citizens, seek justice and are hopeful that appropriate action will be taken by the authorities to address this issue before any disputes arises,” she said.

The residents said they would stage a protest if their demands were not fulfilled by the administration.

Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board has claimed that the mosque in Kasumpti was not disputed and present there before Independence.

HP Waqf Board State Officer Qutubuddin stated that there was no dispute as the Waqf Board owned the land in Kasumpti.

He said the issue was regarding some construction work for which the Municipal Commissioner’s Court had ordered demolition.

The matter was sub judice in the Sessions Court, he added.

Matter of concern

We respect every religion , but the manner in which the mosque has been constructed is a matter of concern. — Rachana Sharma, Kasumpti ward Councillor

Waqf land

The mosque is not disputed and has been present before Independence. The Waqf Board owns the land. — Qutubuddin, Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board State Officer