Protest in Ujjain over portion of Shahi Masjid removal: Stone-pelting reported, tear gas used

A large group of protesters clashed with police in Ujjain on Monday (Sep 28) at the spot where a portion of the Shahi Masjid is proposed to be demolished as part of a road-widening project, news agency ANI reported. Heavy security including Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed. Situation reportedly turned tense when some unidentified individuals began pelting stones in the area as the Ujjain Municipal Corporation attempted to go ahead with the proposed removal of the mosque portion, news agency ANI reported. The road-widening project has to be completed ahead of the Simhastha 2028 fair. Police personnel intervened to bring the situation under control and fired tear-gas shells to disperse the crowd.

Ujjain City Qazi Khaliqur Rahman appealed to members of the Muslim community to maintain peace and urged them not to gather unnecessarily in markets or venture towards market areas amid the ongoing developments related to the Shahi Masjid in Ujjain.
In a statement, the City Qazi urged people not to pay heed to rumours and remain inside their homes, maintaining that the issue concerning the mosque had already been resolved during the night.
“The members of the community are informed not to stand unnecessarily in the markets or go towards the market areas. The issue related to the mosque was resolved during the night itself. There is no such matter that requires anyone to come out,” he said.
He further appealed to people to allow the agreed-upon work to continue and avoid acting on rumours.
“The work for which an agreement has been reached is being completed, and the concerned people are carrying out their work. 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,” Khaliqur Rahman said.