"Outsiders don't understand culture, harmony we share": Imam of the Sanjauli Mosque reacts to AIMIM Delhi Chief's video

The Imam of the Sanjauli Mosque, Sajid Alam, said, "We celebrate festivals and marriages together. Outsiders don't understand the culture and harmony we share in this region. This situation arose because people from outside, with no knowledge of our way of living, came and caused trouble."

He also appealed to outsiders not to disturb the communal harmony in the state. "We do not know the people who came here. Anyone can come to offer Namaz. They must have seen the issue in the news and decided to visit. We had no idea they would make a video and make it viral," Alam explained.

He continued, "The original building's plan was approved, but we have already initiated the process to remove any part that was built incorrectly. We will respect the decision of the court or the commissioner because our priority is to maintain brotherhood and peace. Viral videos like this one harm the atmosphere of love and affection in Himachal Pradesh."

Alam also stressed the unique bond between the Muslim and Hindu communities in the state. "We live and die together with our Hindu brothers here," he said.

The Sanjauli Mosque issue has once again flared up after AIMIM Delhi Chief Shoaib Jamai visited the mosque and posted a video on social media, alleging discriminatory actions against the mosque in comparison to other illegal constructions in the area.

In his video, he questioned why the mosque had been specifically targeted, stating, "Will the bulldozer run on all, or was only the mosque singled out?"

He also presented live footage, claiming to show evidence of the illegal structures surrounding the mosque.

In his video, Jamai said the court should decide whether the mosque is legal or illegal and announced his intention to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court, citing numerous illegal buildings in Shimla. According to Jamai, the law must apply equally to all.

The Sanjauli Mosque Committee, however, has firmly disagreed with Jamai's views. They argue that outsiders are trying to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of Shimla, and political rhetoric surrounding the issue has intensified.

The Sanjauli Mosque Committee and the local Muslim community distanced themselves from Jamai's remarks. They denounced his statement as harmful to Shimla's peaceful environment and called for action against him.

Mohammad Latif, President of the Sanjauli Mosque Committee, along with other members, stated that they are prepared to demolish the unauthorised part of the mosque themselves. They have already submitted a memorandum to the Municipal Commissioner regarding this.

Latif emphasised that Jamai came to offer Namaz, following which the controversial video was made and circulated. "The atmosphere in Himachal is peaceful, and people here live in harmony. We had no idea what Shoaib Jamai's intentions were," said Latif.

The conflict arose from the construction of an illegal mosque in Sanjauli and subsequent protests by Hindu organisations. (ANI)