Sanjauli Mosque Row: Hunger Strike Ends After Talks, Situation Eases

Shimla Nov 21
Tension over the disputed mosque in Sanjauli, Shimla, eased on Friday after representatives of the Hindu Sangharsh Samiti ended their four-day hunger strike following written assurance and dialogue with the district administration. Leaders Madan Thakur and Vijay Sharma broke their fast after authorities agreed to form a joint committee and hold a crucial meeting on November 29 to discuss a permanent solution.

Although the hunger strike was withdrawn, organisations clarified that their protest is not over and a symbolic, phased agitation will continue. For a brief period after the strike ended, the situation turned tense as some protesters raised slogans and traffic was disrupted, but calm was restored after intervention by group leaders.

Both leaders had been taken to IGMC for medical attention earlier due to weakness. As a precautionary measure, Friday prayers were not offered at the disputed site and heavy police deployment ensured law and order. The next round of talks on November 29 is now seen as critical in resolving the long-pending issue.