*Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – September 11, 2024:* A significant police deployment was observed in Shimla on Wednesday in response to a protest organized by Hindu outfits regarding the construction of a five-storeyed mosque in the densely populated Sanjauli area.Authorities have enforced Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita of 2023, which restricts the assembly of more than five people without permission and prohibits carrying lethal weapons. More than 1,000 police personnel, including a Quick Response Team, have been stationed in the area. Additionally, all entry points to the city have been barricaded to prevent the influx of potential troublemakers.To maintain public order, the local administration has prohibited any form of protest or procession in Sanjauli and surrounding areas until noon.The controversy centers around the mosque’s construction, with Hindu organizations demanding its demolition. These groups allege that the Waqf Board, which oversees the mosque, illegally occupied the land and extended the mosque’s structure without proper authorization. They have also called for a verification of the local Muslim population’s backgrounds, expressing concerns about the potential presence of Rohingyas or Bangladeshis among them.Last week, protests erupted in Shimla with demonstrators, including BJP activists, demanding action against the mosque’s construction. They carried the Indian Tricolor and voiced their grievances about the alleged illegal occupation of land.Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner’s court has scheduled a hearing for October 5 regarding the mosque’s construction. Rahul Sharma, representing the civic body, confirmed that the matter involves illegal construction and that the Waqf Board has been asked to provide a formal response. The Board, in its reply, claimed that the mosque’s construction was compliant with regulations but has yet to produce documents validating this claim.Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged citizens to protest peacefully and to avoid any actions that could harm community relations. He emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order while addressing the concerns of all parties involved.