Two Muslim bodies differ on demolition of Sanjauli mosque

The Sanjauli Mosque Committee has stated that it will abide by the orders of the Municipal Commissioner’s Court and soon demolish the top three floors of the mosque in Sanjauli.

However, a Muslim body, All Himachal Muslim Organisation (AHMO), has expressed its displeasure over the decision of the Municipal Commissioner’s court to demolish the three floors of the mosque in Sanjauli, saying it would challenge the decision of the Commissioner’s court in the appellate authority.

State spokesperson, AHMO, Nazakat Ali Hashmi, said a meeting of the organisation was held on Wednesday in which it was unanimously decided that the organisation would challenge the decision of the Commissioner’s court and, if necessary, the organisation would also approach the Supreme Court.

Claiming that the decision passed by the Commissioner’s court was contrary to facts, Hashmi said the mosque was not illegal, but the land on which the mosque had been constructed belonged to the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board.

He further claimed that the Commissioner’s court passed these orders on the basis of an application that was presented to the Municipal Commissioner by the Sanjauli Mosque Committee in which the committee had offered to demolish the unauthorised floors.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Latif, president, Sanjauli Mosque Committee, said the it stood by its stance and accepted the orders of the Commissioner’s court decision to demolish the three floors of the mosque. “We will soon demolish the top three floors of the mosque

Hitting out at the AHMO, he said we had taken the permission of the Waqf Board after which we approached the MC and offered to demolish the unauthorised floors.

Opposite stance

While the Sanjauli mosque committee has already given its nod to the demolition of the unauthorised portions, the All Himachal Muslim’s Organisation has said it will challenge the order in the court of appellate authority and go to the Supreme Court if necessary.