Ujjain: A tense situation prevailed on Monday ahead of the removal of a part of the Shahi Masjid for road widening in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. A large number of people gathered near the mosque and clashed with the police. During this, stones were pelted at the police, after which the police released tear gas shells to control the situation.
Why did the crowd gather near the Shahi Masjid?
Actually, the work of widening the road from Kanthal intersection to Gopal Mandir is proposed. For this, about 10 feet of the Shahi Masjid has been said to be an obstruction within the prescribed limit of the road. The administration team had arrived to take action to remove this part.
There was also a conversation between the administration and representatives of the Muslim community on Monday morning. After this, some people of the society themselves came to remove the obstructing part. However, sloganeering started at the spot and some people protested against the action.
What happened in the clash with the police and stone-pelting?
During the action, barricading was done around the Shahi Masjid. Some people in the crowd allegedly tried to remove the barricading. After this the situation between the police and the protesters deteriorated.
Stones were also pelted at the police. Information has come to light that Crime Branch’s female TI Pushpa Panchal got injured in stone pelting. To control the situation, the police released tear gas shells.
Why is part of the mosque being removed for road widening?
Under Ujjain Master Plan 2035, about 15 metres wide is proposed from the Kanthal intersection to Gopal Mandir. Some part of the Shahi Masjid is said to be obstructing the boundary of the proposed road. A plan has been made to remove this obstructive part.
This route connects the major religious places of Ujjain. It includes Mahakaleshwar Temple, Gopal Temple and the banks of Shipra River.
What is the connection with Simhastha 2028?
The plan of widening the road has been linked to ease of movement of devotees during Simhastha 2028 and major religious events taking place in the city. The aim of the administration is to provide adequate space for traffic and pedestrian movement on this route.
At present, following the tension around the Shahi Masjid, the police force is deployed and the administration is keeping an eye on the situation.
