In Uttarakhand’s Berinag town, Pithoragarh district, a protest led by right-wing activists and locals demanded the demolition of an alleged “illegal mosque,” which they claim was “unlawfully constructed inside a house.” The rally, organised by the Rashtriya Sewa Sangh and led by its president Himanshu Joshi, brought attention to the alleged conversion of a residential property into a place of worship, causing neighbourhood disturbances. The group has urged authorities to demolish the structure and prevent gatherings for prayers, which they argue disrupt the peace.

Following the protest at Ganesh Chowk on November 9, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Shrestha Gunsola summoned Abdul Nazim, believed to be the property’s current owner, for clarification regarding the building’s use. The property originally belonged to Abdul Majid, who relocated to Haldwani prior to his death, and ownership then passed to his son, Nazim. The SDM noted that the question of land ownership is currently under judicial review, adding, “We have given notice to Abdul Nazim, asking him if he has given permission to use his house as a mosque.” Nazim, now residing in Haldwani, has 15 days to respond to the notice.

Authorities initially imposed prohibitory orders in Berinag following the protest but lifted them on Sunday after the situation stabilised. Additional forces deployed during the unrest were also withdrawn, with SDM Gunsola confirming, “Peace prevails in Berinag now. Prohibitory orders imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita in the town and additional deployments were withdrawn on Sunday.”

The Rashtriya Sewa Sangh claims their demonstration prompted the administration’s notice to the property owner. Joshi emphasised that local residents have been affected by the gatherings, reinforcing their demand for the structure’s closure and demolition.

The controversy mirrors recent tensions in Uttarkashi, where similar protests have erupted over alleged “illegal” mosques. A demonstration there led to a clash with police, resulting in injuries for some individuals. The incidents highlight ongoing disputes regarding religious sites in residential areas in Uttarakhand’s hill regions.