Clashes, lathicharge, tear gas used: Ujjain on the boil over mosque demolition

More than 2,000 police personnel were deployed in the area, with barricades placed within 500 metres of the religious structure to restrict movement.

In Short

• Authorities move to partially demolish a mosque for road widening
• Members of the Muslim community gather in large numbers there
• 272 structures, including religious sites, to be affected by the project

Tension gripped Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain on Monday morning as members of the Muslim community, including women, gathered in large numbers as authorities prepared to partially demolish a mosque for a road-widening project.

Sporadic incidents of stone-throwing were reported, with cops seen using tear gas to disperse protesters.

At least 10 persons were detained by the police, including five who were allegedly spreading rumours through social media. The five others were outsiders who were trying to enter the city.

More than 2,000 police personnel were deployed in the affected area, with barricades placed within 500 metres of the religious structure to restrict movement.

Protesters raised slogans against the administration, with women brought to the forefront of the demonstration.

Authorities, however, asserted that the situation was being brought under control. Officials said they were recieving support from community leaders in restoring peace.

TWO GROUPS DIVIDED OVER DEMOLITION

A portion of the city's Shahi Masjid falls in the way of the road-widening work.

Earlier, one group from the Muslim community had started removing the affected part of the mosque on their own. However, another group later objected to the voluntary demolition and staged a protest.

A purported video on social media showed a group of Muslim men trying to demolish a small part of the religious structure.

They are seen wailing uncontrollably as one of them uses a heavy wooden beam to repeatedly strike and break down the decorative latticework (jaali) of an arched window wall.

POLICE SAY SITUATION UNDER CONTROL

On Monday, police said that while some miscreants attempted to disturb peace, the public largely supported efforts to maintain law and order.

According to an official, the police had to resort to the use of mild force to control the situation. A video showed the chaos as security personnel conducted lathicharge.

"All communities and sections of society are continuously extending their cooperation and support in their respective areas. Even today, the demolition work, initiated by the mosque committee itself, is underway at the Shahi Masjid. As a precautionary measure, a full security perimeter has been established, and entry is prohibited for everyone," local Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Sharma said.

The senior official added, "However, certain miscreants attempted to create a disturbance and resorted to stone-pelting. The police personnel present at the scene responded by using tear gas and mild force to disperse the crowd. Leaders from the Muslim community are also issuing video messages urging calm... The situation is now fully under control. The demolition work by the mosque committee is continuing steadily."

CONGRESS MP OPPOSES DEMOLITION

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi has opposed the planned demolition of the mosque complex. He called on the state government to respect the community's religious sentiments.

"The administrative efforts to demolish the Ujjain Shahi Masjid under the pretext of road widening should be a bit more sensitive. Demolishing a 600-year-old heritage site just for road widening and development in the name of progress is the height of hatred," he was quoted assaying by news agency ANI.

The parliamentarian, who represents Maharashtra in the Rajya Sabha, added, "It has come to my notice that when the matter is pending in court, what message does the administration intend to send by repeatedly laying siege to the masjid? Thousands of youth in Ujjain are continuously raising their voices on this issue."

He called on the administration to "respect public sentiments" and "acquire the necessary land for road widening from the other side."

Pratapgarhi said the demolition of the "historically significant heritage site" could not be considered a normal measure under "any circumstances."

CM DIGS UP PART OF ANCESTRAL HOME

On Sunday, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav dug up a section of his ancestral home in the city to make way for the infrastructure initiative.

He used a pickaxe to dig up a portion of his ancestral home, part of which will be demolished for the project.

Speaking to reporters, he said that the house had witnessed all his elections.

"But when it comes to the development of the city, we should be the first to set an example as public servants," the CM said.

The Rs 9.8-crore road-widening project is aimed at easing traffic in Ujjain for the Simhastha Kumbh pilgrimage in 2028.

As many as 272 structures, including religious sites, are set to be affected by the widening of a 730-metre stretch.

AUTHORITIES CAUTION AGAINST RUMOURS

District Collector Raushan Kumar urged the public not to pay heed to rumours. He said preparations for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh are underway at a rapid pace and members of different communities are contributing significantly to accommodate the influx of devotees expected to arrive in Ujjain.

"Whether as individuals or as members of various religious groups and communities, people are contributing significantly to these efforts. In this very context, the community is currently undertaking the task of relocating the religious shrine at Kshatriya Chowk with their own hands. It is crucial to clarify that one should not pay heed to any rumours or misinformation; the relocation of the shrine is being carried out by the community members themselves. This is a matter of the utmost importance," the official stated further.

- Ends
(With inputs from agencies)