VHP Slams Government for Police Action on Hindus in Sanjauli Mosque Controversy.
SHIMLA, September 12: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has strongly condemned the recent police lathi charge on Hindu protestors in Sanjauli, Shimla, over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque.
VHP Himachal Pradesh spokesperson, Tushar Dogra, lashed out at the state government, accusing it of using force to suppress the peaceful demonstration by the Hindu community.
"The Constitution of India gives us the right to peaceful protest and freedom of speech.
Yet, when Hindus gathered peacefully to voice their concerns, they were met with police batons.
This kind of action is shameful," said Dogra. According to the VHP, the protestors were simply chanting slogans like "Jai Shri Ram" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai"—hardly actions that warrant such a brutal crackdown.
Dogra further claimed that the police did not even spare women and children during the assault.
"Is it now a crime in Himachal to chant 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'? The government has responded by breaking people's legs, heads, and beating them wherever possible.
Even women and children were not shown mercy. This kind of heartless behavior from the police and administration is condemnable," he added.
The VHP is also demanding that the state government focus on demolishing the illegal multi-storey mosque that was built on encroached land, rather than targeting peaceful Hindu protestors. "95% of Himachal's population is Hindu, and the state is known as Devbhoomi (land of the gods).
It's unacceptable for individuals who are trying to turn Devbhoomi into a 'land of demons' to get away with such illegal actions," said Dogra.
The VHP further raised concerns about the growing number of outsiders settling in different parts of Himachal Pradesh without proper verification, accusing some of engaging in illegal activities.
"These people are taking over our local trade, committing crimes under the guise of religious workers, and even engaging in cow smuggling.
The government should enforce strict police verification for anyone moving into the state, whether for business or religious purposes," he demanded.
The VHP has sent a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti, urging the government to act swiftly and responsibly.
"We respect the law, but Hindus should not be seen as weak. The government needs to remove all illegal encroachments on public land, including mosques like the one in Sanjauli," added the VHP leader.
This Sanjauli incident is just one of several similar cases across the state, with the VHP pointing to a mosque built on Public Works Department (PWD) land in Mandi as another example of illegal encroachment.
The activists will staged protest in Mandi seeking its demolishion.
The organization has vowed to stand The by the Hindu community and continue its agitation until these encroachments are removed and justice is served.
