"We are considering it as 'local dispute', trying to diffuse it": Himachal Pradesh DGP over row on Sanjauli mosque

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 10 (ANI): Amid the ongoing controversy over the legality of the under-construction Sanjauli Masjid in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Atul Verma termed it as "local dispute" and said that the administration is trying to diffuse the matter and prevent any unfortunate incident in future.
Verma said that the district administration, municipal commissioner and SP Shimla are moving forward in this regard.
Himachal Pradesh DGP, Dr Atul Verma on Monday while addressing media persons said, "A meeting took place over the communal threat, all stakeholders attended the meet. We are considering it as a 'local dispute'. Intelligence was gathered accordingly and preparations were made. District Administration, Municipal commissioner and SP Shimla with the help of all other departments are trying to diffuse it and hopefully, no untoward incident will happen."
The matter is listed in the Municipal Commissioner's court in Shimla. The next hearing of the case has been scheduled on October 5.
On the alleged construction issue of Sanjauli mosque, an advocate representing Waqf Board, BS Thakur, said on September 7, "A notice regarding unauthorized construction was issued by Municipal Corporation Shimla to HP Waqf Board. We have submitted a reply and documents to the court. The issue related to the construction is sub-judice...Today the court asked about ownership and through documentary evidence we told the court that in 1947, when a survey of Waqf properties was conducted throughout India the mosque was the property of the Waqf board...The concerned officers will file a status report of the property. We will submit a reply on the next date of the hearing October 5...The issue regarding the illegal construction is pending before the court. The court will decide on it..."
Earlier on September 5, Himachal Pradesh assembly LoP and BJP leader Jairam Thakur said that people should maintain peace while he held the Congress government responsible for the situation.
"This issue was discussed yesterday also in the Vidhan Sabha...The case was lodged in 2010, but nothing was done in this...I would say that the people should maintain peace and the present government is completely responsible for this...," Thakur told ANI.
"Swift action should be taken into the matter, "he added.
Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh said earlier that if the mosque is 'illegal' then action will be taken. Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha witnessed a heated debate on September 4 regarding the construction of the mosque in Sanjauli. (ANI)