Security Stepped Up Near Shahi Masjid in Ujjain After Clashes
Heavy police deployment and RAF forces stationed near Ujjain's Shahi Masjid following clashes over road-widening work for the Simhastha Kumbh.
Following violent confrontations between law enforcement and local residents, security has been significantly intensified around the Shahi Masjid in Ujjain. On Wednesday, a heavy police presence remained stationed near the mosque to prevent further unrest after a demolition operation for a road-widening project sparked chaos earlier this week.
While the situation appeared calm on Wednesday morning, the atmosphere remains tense under the watchful eyes of security forces. The deployment comes in the wake of intense clashes that broke out on September 28, when a large crowd confronted authorities during the removal of a portion of the mosque structure.
Chaos and Police Response
The tension escalated when stone pelting occurred during the demolition-related operation. To manage the growing unrest and disperse the crowd, police were forced to use tear gas shells and carry out a baton charge. In response to the volatility, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been called in to bolster local security measures.
The scale of the deployment is massive, with more than 2,500 police personnel and officers stationed across Ujjain. Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma has been personally monitoring the site, and a city-wide alert has been issued to ensure public order.
Compromise Reached and Current Status
Despite the previous violence, Ujjain District Collector Roshan Kumar Singh reported that calm has since prevailed. He noted that the Shahi Masjid Committee has taken an active role in the process, with members themselves overseeing the removal of the structure affected by the road expansion.
The District Collector also addressed the previous unrest, stating that while the site is currently peaceful, the administration is taking the strictest possible action against individuals who attempted to create an unpleasant situation during the initial operation.
Key developments regarding the site include:
- Iron scaffolding has been erected around the mosque for safety.
- Police have conducted mounted marches through the area to maintain order.
- Local shops surrounding the mosque were cleared under police supervision.
Legal Settlement and Road Expansion
The dispute has seen a significant breakthrough in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The court disposed of a petition regarding the matter after a compromise was reached between the Shahi Masjid Committee and the state administration. According to the committee's advocate, Kuldeep Pathak, a settlement has been finalized to resolve the space dispute.
While the administration had initially requested 9.5 feet of space, the new agreement stipulates the removal of only a three-foot portion of the structure. To facilitate this transition, the administration has committed to several measures:
- Providing alternative arrangements for the shops affected by the project.
- Offering compensation in accordance with standard acquisition norms.
- Managing the shifting of the minaret within the mosque complex.
This road-widening initiative is a critical part of the infrastructure preparations being undertaken ahead of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh.