The ongoing dispute over the Shimla Sanjauli Masjid has intensified, leading the district administration to impose Section 163 in Sanjauli to maintain law and order. The police have been deployed to manage the situation.
Protesters demanding the demolition of alleged illegal structures at the mosque faced lathi-charges from security forces, resulting in injuries. The demonstrations have turned violent, with protesters breaching the police security cordon.
Clashes between Hindu organizations and the police continued, featuring water cannons and shouting slogans. The police are using water cannons to disperse the crowds and have arrested two individuals, including Kamal Gautam, president of the Hindu Jagran Manch. Gautam was attempting to approach the mosque.
District Magistrate Anupam Kashyap announced that Section 163 of the Indian Civil Protection Code 2023 has been enacted to control the situation. This order prohibits gatherings of five or more people in Sanjauli to maintain peace and order. Schools, government, and private offices, as well as markets, will remain open without disruption.
Under the order, unauthorized protests, slogans, and hunger strikes are banned. The use of loudspeakers in sensitive areas like hospitals, courts, and educational institutions is also prohibited. Additionally, any form of anti-communal, anti-national, or anti-state speech and wall writings are banned.
The restrictions are in effect from 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, covering areas from Eastern Portal of Nav Bahar Chowk to Dhali Tunnel, IGMC to Sanjoli Chowk, Sanjoli Chowk to Chalonthi, and Dhali via Sanjoli Chalonthi Junction.
The prohibited activities include:
- Gathering of five or more people
- Carrying weapons or tools
- Unauthorized rallies or processions
- Obstructing traffic
- Burning torches or candles in public
- Any form of training, including stick-wielding
- Firing firecrackers
- Throwing stones or possessing objectionable items
- Muting loudspeakers
- Engaging in provocative speech, slogan writing, and wall writings