UJJAIN: Tension prevailed in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain on Monday after clashes broke out between protesters and police during a demolition drive at the Shahi Masjid in connection with a road-widening project.
Police said 10 people have been identified and an FIR has been registered against them for allegedly pelting stones and disturbing public order. According to a senior police officer, five of those named in the case are social media influencers who have been accused of spreading misinformation and contributing to unrest.
The incident occurred when police teams reached the area to provide security during the demolition of a portion of the mosque. According to the police, a crowd, including women, allegedly threw stones at the personnel. Around half a dozen policemen were injured in the incident and received primary medical treatment.
Police used tear gas and a cane charge to disperse the crowd after the situation became tense. Senior officials later said that the situation had been brought under control.
Despite the situation returning to normal, security was significantly increased in the area. Around 2,500 police personnel, including forces brought in from neighbouring districts, were deployed to prevent further disturbances and maintain law and order.
Later, a large number of women from the Muslim community gathered at the site to protest against the demolition drive. They demanded that the authorities stop the demolition work.
The dispute is linked to a road-widening project being undertaken in preparation for Simhastha. According to the district administration, a section of the Shahi Masjid, measuring approximately 9 feet in length and 4 feet in width, falls within the alignment of the proposed road.
The mosque management has claimed that the Shahi Masjid is more than 100 years old. The proposed removal of part of the structure has therefore become a contentious issue, with members of the local community opposing the demolition.
The matter has also reached the courts. A hearing was scheduled for Monday before the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, where the dispute over the proposed demolition and road-widening work is expected to be considered.
Authorities have maintained a heavy security presence in the area amid concerns that the dispute could lead to further clashes. Police and district officials are closely monitoring developments while the legal proceedings continue.
The administration is also facing the challenge of balancing the proposed infrastructure work with the concerns raised by the mosque management and protesters.
For now, the immediate focus remains on maintaining peace in Ujjain and preventing further violence as the legal process over the disputed portion of the mosque moves forward.
Reader Comments 0