Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh – In a significant demonstration on Saturday, hundreds of people participated in a rally in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, organized by the Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti. The rally, backed by Hindu outfits, called for the abolition of the Waqf Board and demanded the verification of identification documents of migrants to the state.
Led by Surjeet Singh, district president of the Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti, and Ashish Sharma, district chief of the Bajrang Dal, the rally saw participants waving saffron flags and banners as they marched through the town. Police forces were heavily deployed to ensure law and order, with many shops owned by minority communities remaining closed during the protest.
The Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti submitted a memorandum to the local administration outlining their demands. Central to their protest was the call to dissolve the Waqf Board, a body responsible for managing Muslim religious and charitable properties. The organization also pushed for the verification of documents for migrants, calling for this proposal to be passed in upcoming Gram Sabha meetings across the state on October 2.
Migrant Documentation and Waqf Board Issues
Protesters raised concerns about the influx of migrants to Himachal Pradesh, demanding stringent checks on identification documents. Addressing the gathering, leaders of the Samiti emphasized the need to verify the legal status of those migrating to the state, calling for immediate action by the government. They demanded that this proposal be discussed and passed in Gram Sabha meetings across villages in Himachal Pradesh.
Sanjoauli Mosque Controversy
The rally also touched upon the ongoing controversy surrounding the Sanjauli mosque in Shimla. Local Hindu groups have been calling for the demolition of an unauthorized section of the mosque. Tensions peaked on September 11, when clashes between protesters and authorities led to injuries, following a request from the Muslim community to the municipal commissioner to seal and demolish the unauthorized portion in compliance with a court order.
Leaders from the Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti expressed their dissatisfaction with the Congress-led state government’s handling of the issue, accusing them of delaying action. They urged the government to address local concerns rather than, in their words, “helping outsiders without valid documents.”
Growing Tensions in Himachal
The rally highlights increasing tensions in the region, with calls for tighter controls on migration and stronger enforcement of local laws. The Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti warned the government against overlooking these demands, calling for the protection of Himachal’s cultural and demographic fabric.
As the October 2 Gram Sabha meetings approach, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these pressing demands and what measures will be taken to address both the migrant verification and Waqf Board concerns.
