The impact of the bandh is being seen in Himachal Pradesh.
A two-hour bandh announced in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday to protest the construction of illegal mosques and the recent police crackdown on protesters was felt in several cities. Following the bandh called by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and some business groups till 11 pm, several Hindu organizations took out protest marches in Bilaspur, Kullu, Chamba, Hamirpur, Paonta Sahib and other places. It has not had much impact in Shimla as the Board of Trade announced the bandh on Thursday itself.
Protesters also recited Hanuman Chalisa and raised slogans during the bandh in Chamba cities including Hamirpur. VHP officials said the protest was against illegal construction of a mosque in Shimla and encroachment on government land by a mosque in Mandi, besides protests by Hindu groups in Shimla on Wednesday. He also said that he was against using lathi charges and water cannons on protesters.
Protesters demand
The protesters are demanding verification of outsiders living in the state. Manali Chamber of Commerce General Secretary Rajneesh says that the Manali Chamber of Commerce kept the shops closed for two hours. Shops in Dalhousie also remained closed due to the bandh. A shopkeeper here said there should be proper checking of outsiders and strict action should be taken against encroachers.
Clashes broke out between police and protesters in Sanjauli area of ​​Shimla city on Wednesday. In which 10 people including four policemen were injured. Police have registered an FIR against 50 people in this case. VHP state president Keshav Verma said, “There have been many incidents of Muslims taking the law into their hands in Chamba and we have been strongly demanding verification from outsiders for a long time.
Uproar over illegally built mosque
VHP state assistant secretary Pankaj Bharatiya said, VHP will continue to fight for the rights of Hindus and local people and will not allow people from other states with fake Aadhaar cards to harm their (local people’s) interests. He alleged that many unauthorized mosques have been built in various parts of the state, including Hamirpur.
Chief Minister’s appeal
Anil Soni, president of Hamirpur Chamber of Commerce, said that traders are supporting the interest of local people and they will not tolerate activities where they sell their goods without any valid documents and without paying taxes. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Friday appealed to the people to maintain peace and brotherhood. He also said that tourists are welcome in the state.
Sukhu said, I appeal to everyone to maintain calm and not make inflammatory statements. No one is allowed to take the law into their own hands. We respect everyone. The land of Himachal respects all religions.
Also Read – Assam Govt May Withdraw 81,000 Minor Cases, Under Trial Prisoners Will Get Exemption
