Peace March in Shimla Advocates Communal Harmony Amid Tensions.

Shimla:

A significant number of residents from diverse backgrounds participated in the Sadbhavana Yatra on Friday, aimed at promoting peace and communal harmony in Shimla. This initiative came in response to rising communal tensions sparked by a controversy surrounding the construction of a mosque in the Sanjauli area.

Organized by the Forum for Shimla Peace and Harmony, the march saw participation from numerous democratic and progressive organizations, as well as prominent citizens. The procession began at the DC Office and wound its way through Lower Bazaar and The Mall Road, culminating at The Ridge. There, participants gathered around the statue of Mahatma Gandhi to take an oath to uphold communal harmony, secularism, and the Constitution of India.

Key figures leading the march included former Director of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study Professor Chetan Singh, ex-Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Sanan, and several former IAS officers and local leaders. Participants carried placards and raised slogans advocating for peace.

Sanjay Chauhan, former Mayor of Shimla and a prominent CPM leader, stated, “In the last few days, we have seen that attempts are being made to communalize the environment of the state. This march is being organized to reiterate the peaceful and secular character of Shimla town.”

The event served as a powerful reminder of the community’s commitment to maintaining harmony and fostering unity in the face of challenges.