HP civic court orders demolition of illegal floors of mosque in Mandi
The Municipal Commissioner Court in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi has ordered the demolition of two illegal floors of a mosque on Jail Road, an official said on Friday.
Mandi: The Municipal Commissioner Court in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi has ordered the demolition of two illegal floors of a mosque on Jail Road, an official said on Friday.
The decision of the court, headed by H S Rana, on Friday mandated that the illegal floors of the mosque be demolished within 30 days.
This 30-year-old mosque’s two additional floors were built earlier this year, which prompted local authorities to take action.
The plot on which the mosque is built is registered in the name of woman but an investigation revealed that a part of the construction had extended onto a land belonging to the Public Works Department (PWD).
The Municipal Corporation had issued a notice to halt construction activity in the mosque in June.
During the court proceedings, local Hindu organizations held protests, called for the enforcement of building regulations.
The protests were met with a peaceful response from the authorities, with barricades set up around the mosque and water cannons used to disperse demonstrators. Despite some tensions, the situation remained under control, official said.
District Commissioner Apoorv Devgan urged all parties to remain calm and peaceful. “We appeal to the public to maintain peace.”
“The administration is taking all necessary steps in accordance with the law, and we assure everyone that the situation is being closely monitored,” he said, assuring tourists and locals of their safety.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace. He reassured that action would be taken within the legal framework, and a committee has been formed to address the issue.
“Himachal Pradesh is a state where all religions are respected. We are committed to resolving this matter lawfully, without causing harm to any community,” said Sukhu.
The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also called for restraint and support for the government’s efforts to maintain harmony. “We believe in working together to ensure peace and understanding between all communities,” a BJP spokesperson said.
