Tension escalated in Ujjain city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh over the removal of a part of the historic Shahi Mosque under a road widening project, where clashes broke out between police and protesting local people.
Police fired tear gas shells and baton-charged to disperse the crowd. According to Indian media, this dispute is related to a road widening project in connection with preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela to be held in 2028.
Under the project, several constructions have been marked for removal due to falling within the proposed limits of the road, including a part of the Shahi Mosque. Local Muslims had been present there for several days demanding protection of the mosque.
On Monday morning, when the administration proceeded with the action, a large number of people gathered again, after which the situation became tense. According to Indian media, incidents of stone-pelting on the police were also reported, after which police tried to disperse the crowd through tear gas and baton-charge.
According to reports, a part of the mosque is to be removed for the proposed expansion of the road, while proposals for an alternative route or construction solution have also been put forward by people associated with the mosque. Disagreement also remains regarding some parts of the mosque and the minaret. According to Indian media, a large number of police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order in the area.
On the other hand, the local administration’s stance is that the road expansion is part of a plan for urban development and to improve traffic flow during the large religious gathering of 2028.
According to Indian reports, apart from the Shahi Mosque, about 272 other constructions are also going to be affected by the road expansion project. After the incident, security has been further tightened around the Shahi Mosque.
According to Indian media, additional forces, including the Rapid Action Force, have also been deployed, while authorities are keeping an eye on the situation. This dispute has further highlighted the debate regarding the protection of historic religious buildings, urban development, and law and order.
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