Demanding dismantling of illegal work at mosque, locals hold protest in Kullu

Hindu outfits along with local people staged a demonstration in Kullu today, demanding that an illegal construction on 150 sq m by a mosque in the town be dismantled. The case of the regularisation of this illegal construction is pending with the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department since 2019. The protesters also demanded a check on the heavy influx of migrants into Kullu district.

A large number of people took part in the protest rally held without permission from Ramshila to Dhalpur in Kullu town though Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons was in place.

A heavy police deployment was made there but a minor scuffle broke out between the security personnel and the demonstrators, as the latter tried to force their way onto the path leading to the mosque in Akhara Bazaar. Tension prevailed for about 30 minutes amid sloganeering by the protesters and later the rally proceeded ahead.

Kullu SDM Vikas Shukla said that according to the revenue papers, 980 sq mt land (khasra number 1,731 and 1,733) comprising the mosque was ‘Abadi Deh’ and ‘Kabja’ and in the name of the Punjab Waqf Board. He added, “The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department had approved the plan of the triple-storey structure in 1999. The construction on about 150 sq m was not as per the approved plan and the case for its regularisation was pending with the TCP Department since 2019. The mosque authorities had also provided the structural stability certificate.”

A heavy police force was present and the Akhara area, which houses the Jama Masjid, was cordoned off. Barricades were put up on all paths leading to the mosque. Two fire engines were also deployed near the sensitive zone. Vehicular traffic was diverted and not allowed to pass through Akhara Bazaar. There were reports that the vehicles of the demonstrators were stopped on the outskirts of the town. Kullu SP Karthikeyan Gokulachandran was present near the mosque and monitoring the situation.

Kullu town resident Vivek Sood said that members of the Muslim community were living in harmony in the town for many decades but the recent mushrooming of migrants from Uttar Pradesh had raised concerns among local residents. Surinder Mehta, another resident of Akhara, said, “The masjid was there even before Independence and it was a single room shack. The members of the Muslim community living here used to work as porters. Now, it has become the tallest structure in the area.”

Another local resident Manoj alleged that the entire protest seemed to be politically motivated, as the rally was held even when it was known that the mosque was not illegal.

Heavy influx of migrants

• Members of the majority community had earlier held a protest on September 14, demanding action against illegal mosques and a heavy influx of migrants into Kullu district
• Office-bearers of the Devbhoomi Jagran Manch had given a 15-day ultimatum to the state government and the local administration to fulfil their five demands