Himachal Pradesh: Shimla organizations unite against communal tensions; hold peace march

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 27 : Amid the rising dispute surrounding the alleged illegal construction of Sanjauli Mosque in Shimla, which has sparked tensions in the area, various organizations took out a march in a show of solidarity and communal harmony.
The march was taken from CTO Chowk to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the Ridge via Lower Bazaar. It saw the participation of people from different faiths and communities, with the goal of delivering a strong message of peace and unity.

The march, which was widely attended by people from different communities, was an effort to prevent further escalation of tension. Leaders and community representatives called for peace, stressing the long history of communal harmony in the region.
During the event, Sanjay Chauhan, the former mayor and a member of CPIM, voiced his concerns about the current situation. Chauhan highlighted the peaceful coexistence of various religious communities in Shimla,
"People of all religions have been living together in Shimla for a long time, but now efforts are being made to spoil the atmosphere due to the dispute," Chauhan said.
He further emphasized the need for collective action, saying, "Today, a goodwill march is being taken out by various organizations in Shimla in which people from all communities and organizations have participated and people are being appealed for peace."
Chauhan also recalled how Shimla maintained peace and unity even during the turbulent times of the 1984 riots, noting, "Shimla is a peaceful state, and even during the 1984 riots, people of all sections of society showed unity and brotherhood." His remarks underscored the importance of preserving this tradition of harmony and urged citizens to not let external influences disturb the peace."
In addition to political figures, representatives from the Muslim community also participated in the peace march.
Mohammad Piru, the president of the Qutub Mosque, shared his personal experiences, having lived in Shimla for over 25 years. "Such an atmosphere has never been created here till date," Piru said, pointing to the uniqueness of the current unrest. He called on the authorities to take preventative measures, stating, "The government and administration should verify all the people coming from outside so that the atmosphere here does not deteriorate," he said.
Piru also reiterated the core message of the march, which was to ensure that peace remains intact in Shimla. "The message of maintaining a peaceful atmosphere is being given through the Peace March," he said, reflecting the sentiments of many who participated in the event.
This demonstration comes at a crucial time when fears of communal tensions escalating are on the rise. The march not only served as a call for peace but also as a reminder of Shimla's long-standing tradition of unity amidst diversity, appealing to the citizens to remain calm and safeguard the town's harmonious spirit.