The Shimla Municipal Corporation confirmed that they had received a formal request from representatives of the Muslim community. This proposal offered to voluntarily demolish or seal the unauthorized parts of the mosque, showing a desire for peace and mutual understanding. According to Shehzaad, the Imam of the mosque, the decision was made out of a desire to maintain harmony. He emphasized that no external pressure was exerted on the community and that the goal was to uphold the long-standing peaceful coexistence in the region. He further stated, "We want to stay in peace and brotherhood should prevail."
This gesture followed protests by local Hindu organizations, which had intensified in recent days. The protests, particularly by the Dev Bhoomi Sangarh Committee, called attention to what they claimed were illegal structures added to the mosque. These protests, which had garnered significant local support, culminated in large demonstrations, during which authorities had to intervene with crowd-control measures, including lathicharge and water cannons.
In response to the escalating tensions, Shimla Beopar Mandal, a local traders’ association, had called for a shutdown, leading to many shops remaining closed for part of the day. The mosque's case was further complicated by an ongoing legal battle over the unauthorized construction, which is currently being addressed by the court of the Municipal Corporation.
The proposal from the Muslim community to address the issue before the authorities could take action was seen as a conciliatory move. Bhupendra Attri, the Municipal Commissioner, confirmed that the authorities had been approached with a request to investigate and, if necessary, allow the demolition or sealing of the disputed sections. While the Municipal Corporation is still determining the exact extent of the illegal construction, they welcomed the proactive step taken by the mosque representatives.
On the other side, leaders of the Hindu community expressed cautious optimism regarding the proposal. Vijay Sharma, a prominent member of the Dev Bhoomi Sangarh Committee, stated that the move was a positive step toward resolving the matter. "We welcome the move of the Muslim community and would be the first to hug them for taking this initiative in the larger interest," Sharma said, reflecting the hope that the demolition of the disputed portions would lead to a resolution of the conflict.
This situation highlights a broader issue in urban development, where unauthorized construction often leads to tensions between different groups. In this case, both the religious significance of the mosque and the legal implications of its expansion have contributed to the complexity of the dispute.