Protests over 'illegal' construction in mosque turn chaotic in Shimla

CHAOS reigned supreme in Himachal Pradesh capital, Shimla, on Wednesday when hundreds of protestors led by Hindu right-wing bodies clashed with police, demanding the demolition of an alleged illegal portion of a mosque in the Sanjauli area of the state.

- HARPREET BAJWA

Two police personnel were injured in the scuffle and stonepelting, while the protesters claimed some of them sustained injuries as well in the police action.

Raising religious slogans, the agitators gathered at the Sabzi Mandi Dhalli and marched towards the Sanjauli area, defying prohibitory orders and ignoring warnings by the administration. They broke barricades and pelted stones, prompting police to use water cannons and baton-charge to disperse them.