Protesters demand demolition of ‘illegal’ mosque in Kullu

Members of the Hindu community took out a protest rally against the alleged illegal construction of mosques and heavy influx of migrants in the district without registration. The rally that began from the Hanuman temple at Ramshila concluded in the Lower Dhalpur area here on Saturday.

Alleging illegal construction, the protesters demanded the demolition of a mosque in the Akhara Bazar area of Kullu town. The police was also deployed outside the mosque, while the protesters sat on the Akhara Bazar road outside the mosque and chanted ‘Hanuman Chalisa’. Later, they also submitted a charter of demand to the Kullu SDM.

Kshitij Sood, president, Devbhoomi Jagaran Manch, alleged that the mosque in Ram Gali of Akhara Bazar was constructed illegally on the land registered in the name of the Khadi Board.

He said, “We have given a 15-day ultimatum to the government to demolish the alleged illegal construction of the mosque. Correspondence in this regard has been underway since 2017. The documents of the mosque were also found to be forged. Besides, it is learnt through sources that orders to demolish the illegal construction had also been issued, but nothing was done in this regard.”

The row over the mosque in Akhara Bazar erupted in 2017, when objections were raised against illegal additions during construction work on the decades-old mosque. The construction of one of the Minars of the mosque still hasn’t finished, while it has already become the tallest structure in the entire area. The pathway known as ‘Masjid Gali’ was also renamed ‘Ram Gali’.

A local resident, Yashpal, said the influx of the migrant workers of a particular community had increased in the recent past and they were indulging in illegal activities.

He said, “Recently six migrant labourers from Jammu and Kashmir were arrested on charges of cow slaughter at Mahun village in the Garsa valley. They were not registered and would have fled if the villagers had not detained them. Such unregistered migrants are a threat to the security of the region.”

A resident Anurag said a large number of street vendors were roaming in the area and were selling goods without bills by evading excise duty and taxes.

He said, “People need to be stopped from working as street vendors illegally as it affects local businessmen and employment of even local youth.”

He further alleged that these street vendors were conducting recce of villages. Besides, incidents of thefts had increased in rural areas. Another resident Ajay alleged that the members of a particular community flock roads during Fridays, hampering the movement of vehicles.

Kullu SDM Vikas Shukla said investigation would be carried out through relevant agencies related to the mosque and action would be taken as per the law.

Meanwhile, all shops in Kullu remained closed in solidarity with the call for a bandh by Hindu organisations. A protest rally was also held in Bhuntar and shops remained closed there as well.