Shimla, Oct 5: The Shimla Municipal Commissioner on Saturday ordered demolition of the top three unauthorised storeys of the Sanjauli mosque and gave two months time to the Waqf Board to execute its orders.
The Muslim Welfare Committee in a representation had offered to demolish the unauthorised storeys themselves.
The commissioner's office said the demolition will be done at the cost of Waqf Board.
Advocate of the Waqf Board B S Thakur said the commissioner's office will conduct the next hearing on December 21 regarding the two remaining floors (ground and first floor).
Hindu organisations have been protesting against unauthorised construction in the mosque and demanding demolition of the illegal storeys.
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Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."
In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.
The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."
The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."