Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday backed the ongoing protests by the Hindu community in Shimla against what he called an “illegally constructed” mosque in the Sanjauli area. Singh praised the majority community for their unity and encouraged the spread of the ‘Shimla model’ of protest across the country to address illegal constructions.
In his remarks, Singh applauded the Hindu community in Himachal Pradesh for coming together to challenge the Waqf Board’s alleged illegal occupation of land. “The Hindus in Himachal Pradesh have united to protect their land. The Shimla model demonstrates that when Hindus stay united, no one can take their land away,” Singh said.
He also urged other communities to adopt this model, alleging that there are “three lakh illegal mosques” in India and claiming that these mosques could become “breeding grounds for terrorists.” Singh’s comments came amidst recent protests in Shimla, where demonstrators clashed with police while demanding the removal of an allegedly illegal portion of a five-floor mosque in the Sanjauli area.
Protesters, mainly local residents, broke through police barricades and marched with national flags, chanting slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” They also demanded police verification of minorities, alleging that many Rohingyas and Bangladeshis have infiltrated the state.
Following the protests, state Cabinet Ministers Anirudh Singh and Vikramaditya Singh announced that the mosque authorities have agreed to seal the illegal portion to maintain communal harmony.
