The latest fact-finding report from the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), titled “Creating the Muslim Outsider: Hate Speech, Migrant Vulnerability, and Faltering Law & Order in Himachal Pradesh,” critiques the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh for its failure to address communal tensions were erupted in the state. The report specifically highlights the Islamophobic remarks made by state ministers Vikramaditya Singh and Anirudh Singh during this period, suggesting that their statements contributed to the escalating communal tensions.
The comprehensive 36-page fact-finding report by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) offers an in-depth analysis of the violence and tensions that erupted in Himachal Pradesh. It meticulously documents the protests that took place in Sanjauli (Shimla), Mandi, Solan, Kullu, and Palampur with credible testimonies, highlighting the underlying issues that fueled the unrest. Through thorough ground reporting, the report examines the complex interplay of factors contributing to the communal tensions, including provocative rhetoric and community grievances. Additionally, it presents recommendations focused on civil society initiatives and long-term measures aimed at fostering dialogue and promoting understanding among diverse communities. The APCR’s findings underscore the urgent need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of conflict and build a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Background
In September 2024, communal tensions surged in Himachal Pradesh against a Mosque situated in Sanjauli, Shimla, on the call made by Vishva Hindu Parishad and other right-wing outfits over demand to demolish the alleged unauthorised structure of mosque. During the protests and rallies, derogatory slurs against Muslims and Islamophobic slogans were chanted by the mob of right-wing protesters on September 11, 2024.
These demonstrations fueled animosity and deepened divisions within the community, leading to heightened fear and insecurity among local Muslims. Amid this turmoil, the Congress government faced criticism for its failure to address the growing communal tensions in the state. The role of state ministers Vikramaditya Singh and Anirudh Singh, whose Islamophobic remarks during this period were seen as contributing to the escalating unrest.
The protests and rallies were started over the 14-year-old disputed four-storey mosque located in the Sanjauli area of Shimla. It is reported that the incident escalated and flared up from a stray incident as some people allegedly attacked a local trader with rods and sticks. Then a FIR was registered on 6 persons for alleged attack. It was alleged that all the accused then fled from there and hid in the Sanjauli mosque, resulting in communal tension and protests and slogans chanting against the allegedly illegal construction of the mosque in Sanjauli, claiming that the mosque was constructed illegally and without permission.
Sabrang India’s full report on Sanjauli Mosque dispute can be read here
Importantly, the issue got attention and media coverage when Himachal Panchayati Raj Minister and Congress MLA Anirudh Singh raised the issue of alleged illegal construction of the Sanjauli mosque, while claiming increasing theft in the area, raised love jihad concern before the State Assembly. Speaking at the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Singh demanded an investigation into the construction of Shimla’s Sanjauli Masjid and highlighted the alleged illegal construction of the mosque had led to tensions in the area.
“It has become difficult for women to walk in the Sanjauli market, and thefts are occurring. Love Jihad is another serious issue that needs attention and is dangerous for our country and state. Fights are taking place,” he addressed in assembly.
On the 7th day of Monsoon Session of Vidhan Sabha,
discussion held over illegal construction by the people of a particular community in Shimla and concerns arising due to increasing number of illegal migrants entering #HimachalPradesh. #Shimla #Sanjauli pic.twitter.com/hAq2CGk4Xg— Anirudh Singh (@anirudhsinghMLA) September 4, 2024
APCR’s fact-finding report
The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR)’s fact-finding report reveals that the protest of September 11, took a violent turn with protesters clashing with police and attempted to breach barricaded in Sanjuali. As per report, APCR’s on ground reporting revealed that an incident preceded the conflict. An altercation between Hindu men and Muslim men in Malyana, which is around 9 kilometres from Sanjauli, led to injury of a few Hindu men. The FIR number 148/2024 was registered on 30th August, on the day of incident. The FIR registered on the complaint of 37-year-old shopkeeper Vikram Singh alleged that the accused Mohammad Kulnavaj and his men injured Singh and his friends Jaipal and Rajeev Sharma.
Following the incident, a rumour was spread that the Muslim men after hurting Hindu men took refuge in the Sanjauli mosque. After that the Sanjauli mosque became the target of Hindu far-right protests. The Malyana incident was utilised as justification for a march from Malyana to Sanjauli, with demands for the expulsion of Muslim outsiders and the demolition of the mosque, which Hindu far-right claimed as illegal.
According to report, after the fight in Malyana, on 1st September, the first protest rally against the mosque was taken out in Sanjauli. It was initiated by local Congress counsellors, local Hindu right-wing outfits and BJP members. Himachal Pradesh’s Minister of Rural Development Anirudh Singh and his Congress party colleague Harish Janartha also raised the mosque issue in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on 5 September. In his widely viral speech from the assembly Anirudh Singh alleged that persons of Bangladeshi origin were living in the mosque and demanded that their identities be verified. He said, “They started construction without approval. It was an illegal structure. First, one floor was built, then the rest followed,” and later added, “They have a habit of engaging in illegal activities. They built a 5-storey mosque. This entire matter should be investigated.”
After the first major protest on 1st September, protest rallies against the mosque were also taken out on 5th September and on 11th September. The call for the 11th September protest was given by Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Hindu groups protested the mosque construction, demanding action. Protesters chanted slogans such as – “Mulle Katue nahin chalenge” “Masjid ko girana hoga” “Himachal Ne Thaana Hai, Devbhoomi Ko Bachana Hai” “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” “Jai Sri Ram.
The report pointed out that from Sanjauli, the violent protests against Muslims spread to the entire Himachal including Shimla’s Nerwa and Kasumpti, Mandi, Chamba, Bilaspur, Una, Palampur, and Nagrota Bagwan of Kangra, Hamirpur, Sirmaur and other districts.
The report further reveals that the role of Congress leaders in the communal tension in Himachal Pradesh has been criticised as ineffective. According to reports, the Congress government failed to address the growing tensions, leading to increased fear within the Muslim community. The situation escalated to the point where protesters clashed with police and shops were vandalised in Mandi, Palampur, Sanjauli, Kullu, and Solan. The fact-finding team visited all these locations.
Importantly, the report also highlighted that Congress minister Anirudh Singh also questioned the citizenship of Muslim workers in Himachal Pradesh and Vikramaditya stated that all vendors will now have to display their IDs outside their shops. The decision was 6 rolled back after significant criticism. The lack of decisive action from Congress leadership allowed the situation to spiral out of control.
According to APCR, “The incident has exacerbated communal tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities, affecting local businesses and residents. The controversy highlights concerns about minority rights and freedom of religion in India. The rise of communal politics has contributed to increased tensions, with Himachal Pradesh becoming a focal point.”
Testimonies
Notably, the report captures testimonies from survivors and witnesses in Shimla, Sanjauli, Mandi, Solan, Kullu, and Palampur, revealing a climate of fear following recent communal tensions.
Altaf Hussain, a 25-year-old shopkeeper in Sanjauli, described how the peaceful environment has drastically changed, noting that many Muslims, particularly laborers from Uttar Pradesh, have fled due to fear of violence from Hindutva organizations. He expressed gratitude for local support but remains apprehensive about his safety.
Sunita, a 55-year-old neighbor of the mosque, witnessed firsthand the vandalism and aggression during protests, emphasizing that Muslims had never misbehaved and labeling the controversy as politically motivated. She voiced her fear during the protests and her efforts to reassure frightened Muslim families.
Anwar Ali, the general secretary of the mosque committee, highlighted the discriminatory rhetoric labeling Muslims as “outsiders,” asserting their integration into the community through personal connections, including attending Hindu weddings. The testimonies collectively illustrate the deepening divides and heightened anxieties within the community, stressing the urgent need for dialogue and understanding to restore harmony
Himachal Pradesh communal protests’ impact on Haryana elections
The report also highlights that there has been a well identified pattern to the communal violence in India often preceding elections. BJP and its ideological master, RSS has mastered the dreadful art of kicking off controversies and flaring up communal tension. Just before any election, there will emerge a concocted controversy involving Muslims to manufacture hatred and produce small- and large-scale violence against Muslims. To give a few examples – just before 2014 Lok Sabha elections large scale antimuslimism violence in Muzaffarnagar (2013) was manufactured on the false allegations of love jihad, Karnataka hijab controversy was kicked off to influence the 2022 UP elections and now Sanjauli mosque controversy that spread across Himachal was largely manufactured to affect the assembly elections in Haryana.
Police action so far
However, APCR fact-finding report mentioned that during September 11 protest in Sanjauli, around 10 people, including police personnel and women, sustained injuries during crowd control. In Shimla, police booked 50 people for violence, including leaders of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, panchayat chiefs and their deputies, former councillors, and shopkeepers. FIR was registered against the Hindutva protesters in Sanjauli, Nerwa, Mandi, Kullu, Sirmaur, Bilaspur, Una, and Chamba. However, nobody has been arrested yet.
Recommendations of APCR’s fact-finding report:
Following the findings and testimonies of the report, APCR recommendations for addressing communal tensions in Himachal Pradesh:
- Effective Governance: Ensure swift action against communal elements to prevent escalation of tensions, as seen in the Sanjauli mosque issue.
- Inclusive Dialogue: Foster open communication between Hindu and Muslim communities to promote understanding and peaceful resolution.
- Strengthening Law and Order: Deploy adequate security forces to maintain law and order, preventing clashes and vandalism.
- Leadership Accountability: Hold elected representatives accountable for inflammatory statements, promoting responsible leadership.
- Community Engagement: Encourage community-led initiatives promoting interfaith harmony and social cohesion.
- Policy Reforms: Review and reform policies to address communal tensions, ensuring equal protection and opportunities for all citizens.
- No Permission for Inflammatory Rallies: Deny permission for rallies that may incite communal conflicts, as identified by intelligence agencies or local authorities.
- Government Support for Muslims: The government should take proactive steps to ensure Muslims feel secure, such as increasing police presence in sensitive areas and engaging in dialogue with community leaders.
- Social Media Monitoring: Track and counter inflammatory content on social media platforms.
- Swift Legal Action: Ensure prompt arrests and prosecution of perpetrators of communal violence.
Other recommendations:
Civil Society Initiatives
- Community-Led Initiatives: Support grassroots initiatives promoting communal harmony.
- Interfaith Coalitions: Form coalitions of community leaders, organisations, and individuals.
- Advocacy Campaigns: Launch campaigns to promote tolerance, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.
- Education and Research: Conduct research and educate the public on communal harmony.
- Conflict Resolution Training: Provide training for community leaders in conflict resolution
Long-Term Measures
- Education and Awareness: Integrate communal harmony and cultural sensitivity into school curricula.
- Interfaith Initiatives: Encourage interfaith dialogues, cultural events, and community programs.
- Economic Empowerment: Implement initiatives to promote economic equality and opportunities for marginalised communities.
- Strengthening Institutions: Ensure independence and effectiveness of law enforcement, judiciary, and regulatory bodies.
- Policy Reforms: Review and reform policies to address communal tensions, ensuring equal protection and opportunities.
However, The APCR’s report highlights the Congress government’s inaction and the Islamophobic rhetoric of its leaders as key factors fueling the communal violence in Himachal Pradesh. Titled “Creating the Muslim Outsider: Hate Speech, Migrant Vulnerability, and Faltering Law & Order in Himachal Pradesh,” the report critiques the ineffective responses of Congress leaders during escalating tensions, particularly focusing on the inflammatory remarks made by ministers Vikramaditya Singh and Anirudh Singh. These comments, coupled with a lack of decisive action, contributed to an environment of fear and insecurity among Muslims. The findings emphasize the urgent need for responsible leadership, community dialogue, and proactive measures to prevent future violence, ensuring a more inclusive and harmonious society. Addressing these issues is essential not only for restoring peace but also for protecting the rights and dignity of all communities in the region.
The full report can be read here
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