Himachali Hindus have united to fight the demographic changes that are threatening Hindu existence with an exponential rise in the Islamist population in the hill state of Bharat. The spurt in illegal Mazars, mosques and masjids along with the increase in illegally settled Muslims alarmed the native Hindus who have launched the #SaveHimachal campaign.

The struggle of those protesting against illegal mosques and unlawfully settled outsiders is not merely a stand against blatant encroachment and unauthorized constructions; it is also a fight to protect the religious and cultural identity their ancestors have safeguarded for millennia, which has earned the region the revered title of Devabhoomi.

Islamist invasion – demographic changes, illegal Masjids & much more

In Himachal Pradesh, particularly in Shimla, the Himachali Hindu community is protesting against what appears to be a deliberate attempt to Islamise the hill state. The unrest began when it was discovered that 46 out of 88 Muslim vendors had the same date of birth on their Aadhaar cards, raising suspicions of identity fraud. All the vendors were outsiders who had recently come to the region under the pretext of starting businesses. This discovery sparked widespread protests as Himachalis, fearing both security threats and demographic changes in their predominantly Hindu state, demanded an investigation into the vendors’ identities.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of public demonstrations in Himachal Pradesh. For years, Himachalis have been protesting what they see as an increasing number of illegal constructions, particularly mosques, that are contributing to cultural decay and demographic shifts. Tensions boiled over after a violent incident on August 30 in Malyana, where a group of Muslim youths attacked Hindu traders, leaving one businessman, Vikram Singh, critically injured. This sparked protests against an illegal mosque in the area.

The Waqf Board claims ownership of the mosque, arguing that the dispute is over further structure development. However, local Hindus argue that illegal structures, such as a three-story addition to the mosque, have exacerbated the situation. Protests against similar illegal constructions have also erupted in other parts of the state, such as Mandi and Kullu. In Kullu, an illegal Jama Masjid located on land reportedly belonging to the Khadi and Village Industries Board has been the focal point of dispute since it was expanded in 2017.

Hindu organizations argue that these unauthorized constructions are part of a broader pattern of outsiders, many of whom are reportedly involved in anti-social activities, moving into the state and threatening the region’s cultural and religious fabric. For the protesters, the issue is illegal buildings and the existential threat posed by the changing demographic and cultural landscape.

Not just Shimla, but Himachali Hindus in other parts of the state are also raising their voices against illegal mosques. At the end of September, protests were reported in Kullu where Hindu organizations staged a protest demanding the demolition of an illegal mosque.

Reports indicate a recent minor scuffle between Hindu protesters and police during the Hindu Dharam Jagaran Yatra in Kullu. The protest, involving many women carrying saffron flags and traditional musicians, marched from the Hanuman temple to the Akhara Mosque under tight security. Demonstrators demanded the demolition of the Kullu mosque, citing alleged illegal construction. Muslim community members, however, argue that no mosque in the state is illegal.

On September 29, Kullu district authorities clarified that the Akhara Bazaar mosque was not illegal but noted discrepancies between its recorded and actual area, with about 150 square meters exceeding government records. Constructed in 1990-1991 with one floor, the mosque was reconstructed in 2017, expanding to four floors, sparking objections from Hindu groups over non-compliance with the approved map. Additionally, protests earlier in September saw calls for the removal of parts of another mosque in Shimla and similar demonstrations in Mandi, where water cannons were used to control crowds.

Himachali Hindus unite and protest against illegal Islamist invasion

Himachali Hindus have taken up the task of ensuring their land is free of illegal encroachment by using street protests to pressurise the government to act against the encroachers. Hindus across age groups have united to fight against this menace.

A senior citizen was seen appealing to the Hindus to raise their voices. He highlighted that the Waqf Board has been taking over Hindu lands for a long time. He also questioned why Hindu interests weren’t being protected in Hindu majority Bharat. He wanted Himachali Hindus to put Hindu interests at the top. He even explained how Islamists were targeting minority Hindus in Bangladesh with the support and protection of the Bangladeshi government.

The Devbhoomi Sangarsh Committee flagged a Solan mazar that has been illegally constructed and expanded. The committee submitted a petition to the Governor demanding its demolition.

Himachali activist Kamal Gautam has been spearheading the movement to free the hill state of illegal encroachments. He was even targeted by Islamists. Despite these threats Himachali Hindus have stood their ground and ensured authorities take cognisance of their concerns.

Himachali Hindu pattern must be employed across Bharat

Taking a leaf from their Himachali neighbours, Hindus of Uttarakhand took out a march demanding the demolition of an illegal mosque. Uttarkashi Hindu organizations organized the march in which Hindus participated in huge numbers.

Traders also came forward and asked Islamists who had illegally entered the state to leave by December 31.

It is imperative that Hindus across Bharat learning from Himachali Hindus and proactively protect themselves from the deliberate demographic change attempt. Land Jihad is a serious concern with the latest report of an illegal Dargah right next to the new Navi Mumbai International Airport raising security concerns. Hindu residents of a soceity in Mumbai’s Taloja became victims of Islamist highhandedness. Hindu women were threatened by Islamists who opposed putting up Diwali lights in public areas and on streets around the building.

Hindus from across Bharat can learn a few things from Himachali Hindus in view of the fact that we are faced with love, land, vote, and other kinds of jihad. Himachalis have shown that Hindu unity and street power are important if the samaj is to survive Islamist onslaught with covert and overt support of pseudo-secular politicians. The same unity needs to be replicated if Hindu Samaj is to fight off the divisive forces.