Tension prevailed in Ujjain on Monday after a large group of people protesting the proposed removal of a portion of the Shahi Masjid clashed with police, with stones being hurled at security personnel and tear gas used to disperse the crowd.
The confrontation took place near the Shahi Masjid Complex, where security personnel remained deployed amid opposition to the removal of part of the mosque for a road-widening project. The work is being carried out ahead of the Simhastha 2028 fair.
A portion of the mosque had already been removed as part of the road-widening work, but the move led to protests from people opposing further removal of the structure.
Why is the Shahi Masjid at the centre of the row?
The dispute is linked to a road-widening plan in Ujjain ahead of Simhastha 2028, with a portion of the Shahi Masjid falling within the proposed road alignment. The Ujjain Municipal Corporation has sought to widen the road as part of preparations for the major religious gathering.
On Monday, protesters gathered around the site and attempted to move through nearby alleys. Women were also seen among those trying to proceed towards the area. Police personnel stopped the crowd as the situation grew tense.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court is scheduled to hear the matter on Monday. Earlier this month, the court had dismissed petitions challenging the proposed removal of the portion of the mosque.
Imran Pratapgarhi objects to demolition
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi criticised the proposed removal and urged the state government and local administration to take public sentiment into account.
"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. 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.
My request to the Ujjain administration is to respect public sentiments and acquire the necessary land for road widening from the other side. Demolishing such a historically significant heritage site cannot be considered a normal event under any circumstances," the Congress MP said.