Himachal mosque row: Hindu outfits' scuffle with police in Kullu; Muslim body says no masjid illegal

Hindu yatra in Kullu demands mosque demolition, leading to scuffle with police; Muslim group denies illegal mosques.

As protests demanding the demolition of illegally constructed mosques rage on in Himachal Pradesh, a Muslim organisation said that there were no illegal mosques in the State but delay in approval of maps in government records was causing a problem.

Hindu outfits that took out a yatra in Kullu demanding the demolition of the mosque were involved in a scuffle with police on Monday (September 30, 2024).

Protesters of the 'Hindu Dharam Jagaran Yatra' marched from Hanuman temple to Akhara Mosque amid tight security.

People in large numbers, women included, carrying saffron flags and placards called for the demolition of the mosque in Kullu. Musicians playing local instruments and women in traditional dress led the yatra.

The demand for the demolition of illegally constructed mosques began after a scuffle between a Muslim barber and a Hindu businessman in Malyana area in the suburbs of Shimla on August 30 turned into a communal issue.

Hindu groups have been demanding the demolition of mosques they say are unauthorised, while residents at large are demanding that outsiders coming into the state be identified.

Meanwhile, Muslim Welfare Committee, Mandi president Naheem Ahmed told the PTI on Monday: "No mosque in Himachal Pradesh is illegal but there had been a delay in getting the maps approved and other related processes. We would ourselves remove the structures if found illegal."