SHIMLA: Tension has gripped parts of Himachal Pradesh after the controversy over the Sanjauli mosque flared up

, prompting the state government to issue high-alert directives for police in Shimla, Mandi, Chamba, and other areas, including border regions with significant Muslim populations.

Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has instructed Director General of Police Atul Verma to ensure around-the-clock monitoring, with senior officials like the IG and DIG being called on duty.

Police have ramped up security around mosques and Muslim habitations, especially after protests turned violent yesterday.

The  traders and protestors observed bandh against lathicharge on protestors yesterday in Shimla and Sanjauli today. 

They downed their shutters demanding removal of SP Shimla. 

Protesters had broken through barricades in Navbaar and clashed with police near the Sanjauli mosque, resulting in more than 10 injuries.

The injured were admitted to IGMC for treatment. Section 163 has been imposed in the Sanjauli area to prevent further unrest.

In the chaos, schoolchildren and their parents were caught in the middle. Local transport was suspended, forcing many to walk long distances home.

Parents voiced their frustration, criticizing the administration for its handling of the situation.

The protesters also took to anti-administration slogans, further fueling discontent with the government.