Protests Erupt Over Demolition Order for Mosque in Pithoragarh

Massive protests erupted in Pithoragarh following a controversial demolition order targeting a mosque authorities deemed to be constructed without permits. The site, located in Pithoragarh’s Kotwali area, has become a flashpoint between local religious groups and law enforcement. Officials cited the structure's placement on government land without necessary approvals as grounds for the order, igniting a significant public response. Local Hindu groups argue that the unauthorized construction must be removed to uphold legal standards, while Muslim leaders have pushed back, arguing the mosque serves as a longstanding community site and deserves preservation.

Demonstrations grew in intensity as representatives from various Hindu organizations, such as the Dev Bhumi Shatriya Sangathan, gathered to call for a swift and uncompromising enforcement of the law. The protesters voiced concerns not only about this particular mosque but also about the issue of illegal land use by religious groups in general. Saffron-clad protestors reportedly rallied with chants and banners, calling for more stringent monitoring of land use within the town. The scene has evoked responses from officials on both state and local levels, who are under pressure to maintain communal peace.

Tensions were heightened further by leaders within Hindu groups who have framed the issue as a matter of public safety and legal integrity. According to reports, leaders urged the government to verify the identity and legal standing of individuals occupying land for religious purposes. In response, some political figures have also backed the calls for the mosque’s demolition, aligning themselves with the protestors’ legalistic arguments. They emphasize that all structures, irrespective of religious affiliation, must adhere to the regulations governing public land use.

Conversely, community leaders representing Pithoragarh's Muslim population have expressed deep frustration, suggesting the focus on the mosque is part of a broader discriminatory campaign. Several Muslim organizations have reportedly approached the local authorities to negotiate an alternative outcome, urging them to either regularize the land allocation or permit relocation support. This request has drawn limited response from officials, but it underscores the wider implications of the demolition order and its potential to set a precedent for similar disputes across the region.

State government leaders have appealed for calm, urging residents not to disrupt peace. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh, in addressing the issue, assured the public of unbiased enforcement of the law while emphasizing the state’s commitment to maintaining harmony. Meanwhile, state law enforcement has increased its presence in the area to prevent escalations. Officials from the district administration have indicated that they are consulting with legal teams to review the ownership and land usage rights concerning the site in question.