Ujjain City Qazi Appeals for Peace Amid Shahi Masjid Demolition
Ujjain City Qazi urges calm as police use tear gas to disperse protesters during Shahi Masjid demolition for road widening.
In the wake of intense unrest in Ujjain, City Qazi Khaliqur Rahman has issued an urgent appeal to the Muslim community to maintain peace and avoid gathering in public spaces. The call for calm comes as tensions escalated following protests and stone-pelting related to the ongoing demolition work at the Shahi Masjid, which is being conducted to facilitate road-widening preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh.
Qazi Urges Community to Stay Indoors
Addressing the community, Khaliqur Rahman emphasized that the primary issue regarding the mosque had been addressed during the night. He strongly advised residents to ignore rumors and remain inside their homes to prevent further escalation.
"The members of the community are informed not to stand unnecessarily in the markets or go towards the market areas," the City Qazi stated. He further noted that the work currently being carried out is part of an agreement already in place. "The work for which an agreement has been reached is being completed... Therefore, do not pay attention to any rumours. Do not come out of your homes because of rumours. Maintain peace and stay inside your homes," he added.
Police Deployment and Tear Gas Usage
The situation turned volatile earlier on Monday when protesters clashed with law enforcement. Reports indicated that demonstrators attempted to push through narrow alleys, with some instances of women being moved forward during the protest. The unrest led to stone-pelting directed at police officers, prompting authorities to respond with tear gas shells to disperse the crowds.
To manage the high-tension environment, a massive security apparatus has been deployed, including:
- More than 2,500 police personnel and officers on the ground.
- Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel stationed at the site.
- A full security perimeter established around the Shahi Masjid.
- A city-wide alert issued across Ujjain.
Official Statement from Superintendent of Police
Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Sharma, who is personally monitoring the situation, confirmed that the demolition work is being carried out by the mosque committee itself as part of the infrastructure development. He noted that while most sections of society are cooperating, certain miscreants attempted to disrupt the process.
"Even today, the demolition work, initiated by the mosque committee itself, is underway at the Shahi Masjid," SP Sharma explained. He clarified that the use of tear gas and mild force was a necessary response to stone-pelting and attempts to create disturbances. He also highlighted that community leaders are actively issuing video messages to encourage calm and that the situation is currently under control.
The demolition is part of a larger urban development project aimed at widening roads in anticipation of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh pilgrimage, a move that had initially sparked internal differences among various groups before the current agreement was reached.