In the midst of escalating protests over the alleged illegal construction of the Sanjauli mosque in Shimla, the Waqf Board has taken significant action, assuming full control of the mosque and acknowledging that portions of its floors were built illegally. The move follows protests led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Hindu organizations, and local residents demanding the mosque’s demolition.

Shimla Waqf Board state officer Qutubuddin confirmed that the mosque’s Imam has been removed, and further illegal encroachments by individuals from outside Himachal Pradesh have also been cleared. In an attempt to de-escalate tensions, the Waqf Board has imposed a complete ban on outsiders staying at the mosque.

Protests outside the Sanjauli Masjid gained momentum after a heated debate in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly. Himachal Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh, of the Congress Party, called for an investigation into the mosque’s construction, warning that illegal structures, whether temples or mosques, should be demolished as per the law. Singh questioned how the issue had gone unnoticed for so long, sparking political disagreements within the assembly.

Meanwhile, Hindu organizations and local residents continued their opposition, staging protest marches on Thursday. The protests have contributed to rising tensions in the area.

In a related development, another mosque in Shimla’s Kasumpti area also faced controversy. Ward councillor Rachna Sharma raised concerns over unauthorized repairs being carried out at the mosque without approval from the Waqf Council or the Shimla Municipal Corporation. Sharma alleged that the mosque was operating illegally, as no Muslim families reside in the vicinity, and residents were inconvenienced by the gathering of worshippers every Friday.

Local authorities, including the SDM, have assured protesters that they will review all documents related to the Kasumpti mosque and take appropriate action.