Ujjain: Tense Situation at Shahi Masjid After Fresh Clashes
Clashes erupted in Ujjain as police used tear gas to disperse crowds protesting the demolition of a portion of Shahi Masjid for road-widening.
The atmosphere in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, turned volatile on Monday as fresh clashes erupted at the Shahi Masjid complex. The unrest was triggered by protests against the planned demolition of a section of the mosque, which is slated for removal to facilitate a road-widening project in preparation for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh.
Police Deploy Tear Gas and Baton Charge
The situation escalated into violence when a large crowd confronted law enforcement officers at the site. Following reports of stone-pelting by protesters, the police were forced to intervene to restore order. To disperse the gathering, security forces utilized tear gas shells and resorted to a baton charge.
To manage the growing volatility, authorities have significantly bolstered security in the region. Key measures include:
- Deployment of Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel.
- Deployment of over 2,500 police personnel and senior officers across the city.
- On-site supervision by Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma.
- Issuance of a city-wide alert due to the heightened tension.
Official Clarification on Demolition Process
Amidst the chaos, District Collector Raushan Kumar addressed the public to clarify the nature of the demolition. He emphasized that the removal of the portion of Shahi Masjid located at Kshatriya Chowk is being conducted voluntarily by members of the local community and associated religious groups to accommodate the road-widening zone.
"The most positive aspect observed so far is the voluntary cooperation of individuals, religious groups, and communities in the road-widening initiative," Collector Kumar stated. He further urged citizens to ignore misinformation and warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found spreading rumors that could incite unrest.
Appeal for Peace from Community Leaders
As the city remains on edge, Ujjain City Qazi Khaliqur Rahman has issued a heartfelt appeal to the Muslim community to maintain communal harmony. He urged residents to avoid unnecessary gatherings in marketplaces and to stay indoors to prevent further escalations.
The Qazi emphasized that an agreement had already been reached regarding the work and requested that people allow the agreed-upon processes to continue without interference. He urged the public to remain calm and not to fall prey to misleading reports circulating during this sensitive period.