Mosque row: Demands accepted, samiti calls off protest

The Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti along with other Hindu outfits today called off their protest following the acceptance of their demands of sealing the controversial mosque in Sanjauli, quashing the FIR lodged against its members and disconnection of the electricity and drinking water supply to the mosque.

Members of the Sangharsh Samiti, who were on a hunger strike outside Police Station, Sanjauli for the past few days, had called on the people to stage a state-wide protest against the mosque. The protest was also in response of an FIR that was lodged against its members, who obstructed several muslims going to mosque to offer prayers last week that has been declared illegal by the court.

Security arrangements have been beefed up in Sanjauli.

Following the incident, hundreds of members associated with various Hindu outfits gathered today in Sanjauli for a protest. They had warned that they would not let people offer prayers at the mosque. The situation got tense for a few minutes when the protesters called for immediate disconnection of water and electricity supply in the mosque. The protesters blocked the road and raised slogans, causing inconvenience to the people before they decided to call off their protest following talks with the administration regarding their demands.

Kamal Gautam, president of the Hindu Raksha Manch, said that prayers are being offered by the people despite the structure being declared illegal by the Commissioner’s Court and the district court which is unacceptable.

He further said that while the protest has been called off, an eight-member committee of the Samiti is scheduled to meet the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Shimla on November 29 to complete certain legal formalities.

Madan Thakur, co-convener of Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti, clarified that while the hunger strike till death has been called off, its members will continue with a relay hunger strike until action is not taken to fulfil their demands.

Meanwhile, the Sanjauli Mosque Committee’s office bearers have stated that they are preparing to challenge the decision to demolish the mosque in the High Court.