The Samiti ended their hunger strike after concluding that authorities had failed to act on previous commitments—including disconnecting water and electricity to the mosque and preventing prayers there. Members of the Samiti carried out a symbolic funeral procession for the government and burned an effigy outside the Sanjauli police station, decrying what they described as continued “indifference and deceit” by the district administration.
The mosque’s legal status has been under challenge since a court in October upheld a municipal commissioner’s ruling that declared the building unauthorised. The court ordered demolition by December 30, rejecting petitions by the state Waqf Board and the mosque committee. Despite that, a small number of worshippers reportedly entered the structure for Friday prayers—prompting renewed anger from the Samiti.
Co-convener Madan Thakur voiced frustration over what he called the administration’s inaction, saying that assurances given during earlier meetings were not honoured. He argued that allowing prayers amounted to efforts to regularise what had been deemed an illegal structure. Another senior Samiti member, Vijay Sharma, threatened that the planned statewide campaign would expose what they characterised as “dishonest leaders, the police, and the administration,” promising a far broader movement if their demands remained unaddressed.
On the legal front, the state Waqf Board has petitioned a High Court to overturn the demolition order, challenging the district court’s decision. The court’s verdict on maintainability of the petition is awaited on Monday, and the outcome could determine whether the Sanjauli Mosque will be torn down or remain open for worship pending further litigation. The board argues that parts of the structure date back decades and that the allegedly unauthorised portions were added by community members—not unlawfully—casting doubt over claims of illegality.
Local authorities have increased security around the disputed site, urging residents to maintain calm until the judiciary delivers its decision. A Muslim cleric representing the mosque’s congregation appealed for restraint—calling on worshippers to avoid congregational prayers until the matter is resolved judicially. Only a handful turned up at the mosque for Friday prayers, signalling compliance with the call for calm.