Protests in Shimla Over Sanjauli Mosque: Adarsh Sood and Jairam Thakur Speak Out

Former Congress MLA Adarsh Sood and Himachal Pradesh Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jairam Thakur have addressed the ongoing protests over the alleged illegal construction of the Sanjauli Mosque in Shimla.

Adarsh Sood’s Statement

Adarsh Sood emphasized the need for peace in Shimla. He stated, “India is an independent country and any person can travel anywhere to study, set up their business or do a job. Yes, they should have valid identifications but rumours are being spread that people have fake Aadhaar Cards, etc. All this is baseless. We all have to put in efforts to make Shimla a peaceful place again.”

Jairam Thakur’s Demands

Jairam Thakur demanded the arrest of AIMIM Delhi Chief Shoaib Jamai for filming inside the alleged illegally constructed and sealed Sanjauli mosque. He criticized AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and his party, claiming that AIMIM is a party that is restricted to a particular community and is always making controversial statements. Thakur said, “Owaisi is a party’s leader that is restricted to a community, it is his party that gives controversial statements. A party leader comes to Shimla and goes to a Masjid that is sealed since it is an alleged illegal construction, there he goes inside and does videography, and he says points to another building and claims that building is taller than the masjid, it is not about a taller building, it does not mean that building is an illegal construction.”

Background of the Issue

The Sanjauli Mosque issue flared up after AIMIM Delhi Chief Shoaib Jamai visited the mosque and posted a video on social media, alleging discriminatory actions against the mosque in comparison to other illegal constructions in the area. In his video, he questioned why the mosque had been specifically targeted, stating, “Will the bulldozer run on all, or was only the mosque singled out?” However, the Imam of the Sanjauli mosque also criticized Jamai for disrupting the peaceful atmosphere of Shimla.