In Shillai, Himachal Pradesh, traders observed a half-day bandh, while thousands of residents participated in a protest march against the illegal construction of mosques across the state and the alleged influx of outsiders from a particular community. The demonstrators submitted a memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Shillai, addressed to Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, urging immediate action.
Shillai Vyopar Mandal organized the protest and drew participants from several villages within the Shillai subdivision, all of whom gathered at the PWD guest house before marching through the main market to the SDM’s office.
The protestors raised slogans promoting Hindu unity and calling for the removal of unauthorized religious structures. The leaders of the protest, representing various Hindu and social welfare organisations, voiced their concerns over the large-scale presence of outsiders in Shillai.
They claimed that many of these newcomers were from a particular community, a situation that they believe is part of a conspiracy to change the demographic composition of the state. They further accused local authorities and the police of negligence in verifying the identities and backgrounds of these migrants.
The protestors demanded that the district administration provide detailed information on the land and properties controlled by the Waqf Board. They called for a high-level inquiry into what they allege is a well-planned conspiracy to bring outsiders into the state with the aim of altering its religious and cultural identity.
Verification of the antecedents of migrant workers was one of the primary demands, with the protestors insisting that all such individuals be registered and their identities confirmed by the authorities. This demand follows a series of protests across Himachal Pradesh concerning unauthorized mosque constructions and related security concerns. The protest in Shillai was one of several demonstrations held in various parts of Himachal Pradesh over the past few weeks. The primary issue driving the protests has been the alleged illegal construction of mosques in the state.
Comments