Tear Gas, Lathi Charge After Clash Over Proposed Mosque Demolition in Ujjain
Ujjain: Tension escalated in Ujjain on Monday after protesters and police clashed at the site of the Shahi Masjid, where a portion of the mosque has been proposed for demolition as part of a road-widening project.
Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd after stones were reportedly thrown at security personnel. A heavy police presence, including Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel, was deployed in the area as the situation became tense.
The proposed demolition is linked to a larger infrastructure plan being carried out ahead of the 2028 Simhastha Mela, a major religious gathering that takes place in Ujjain every 12 years and is expected to draw millions of devotees.
According to officials, 272 structures have been identified for demolition as part of the road-widening and development work aimed at improving traffic movement and accommodating the expected crowds during the festival.
The Shahi Masjid is described by members of the Muslim community as a centuries-old Waqf property. Some accounts place its history at around 1390. The proposed action would affect parts of the prayer hall, a minaret and other associated structures.
The dispute has also reached the courts. The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore bench had earlier dismissed petitions challenging notices issued by the Ujjain Municipal Corporation, citing public interest and traffic requirements linked to the upcoming Simhastha. A further hearing in the matter was scheduled for Monday.
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi criticised the proposed demolition and urged the state administration to take public sentiments into account. He argued that alternative land should be considered for road expansion rather than removing portions of a historically significant religious structure.
Meanwhile, Ujjain Municipal Corporation chairperson Kalawati Yadav said extensive preparations are underway for Simhastha 2028. The plans include around 29 kilometres of new ghats, diversion projects, dams and other infrastructure intended to manage the expected influx of devotees.
The clash at the mosque site has added to tensions surrounding the proposed road-widening work, with authorities continuing to maintain a heavy security presence in the area.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
