Indian Authorities Seek to Raze Two Stories of Dehradun Mosque

Indian Authorities Seek to Raze Two Stories of Dehradun Mosque
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Action against the much-discussed Sanjauli Masjid in Himachal Pradesh’s capital Shimla, India, has now reached its final stage, with work set to begin on demolishing the remaining upper floors after official approval of the budget, Clarion India reported.

The Sanjauli mosque had already seen two floors removed earlier. The remaining upper portion is now being taken down, even as many in the Muslim community say the action has caused deep pain and a sense of being singled out.

While demolition work moves ahead in Sanjauli, a similar action has been reported from Uttarakhand, where authorities sealed parts of a mosque in Dehradun district.

In Kandogal village of Thano area of Dehradun, the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA), along with the district administration, sealed the first and second floors of a mosque, stating that the construction was carried out without registration and without an approved building plan.

Officials said the action was taken in the presence of police personnel. However, considering that people live on the ground floor, residents were given a few days’ time before any further steps.

Members of the local Muslim community, however, say such actions create fear and insecurity. One resident, who did not wish to be named, said, “Mosques are being watched closely, while many other illegal structures remain untouched. This makes us feel targeted.”

The developments in Sanjauli and Dehradun have once again raised questions about equal treatment, with Muslims urging authorities to act without bias and respect religious sentiments while enforcing the law.