Clashes Erupt in Ujjain Over Mosque Demolition Plans Amid Protests

In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, tensions flared during a protest against the proposed demolition of a part of a mosque on Monday, leading police to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowd. The unrest stemmed from plans to widen the road ahead of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, a significant Hindu religious gathering set to take place in March 2028, which occurs every twelve years along the banks of the Kshipra River.

The protest began on Sunday at the Shahi Masjid, where a sit-in demonstration was organized by local Muslim residents who aimed to prevent the demolition. Many protesters remained at the mosque overnight, determined to protect their place of worship. Reports indicate that during the course of the protests, some participants resorted to throwing stones at police personnel, escalating the situation.

As tensions rose, local authorities, including the Ujjain Municipal Corporation, brought heavy machinery to the scene in an attempt to commence the demolition. Several police companies were also deployed in response to the growing unrest. Attempts by municipal officials to engage the mosque’s management and the community for cooperation regarding the demolition appear to have been unsuccessful, leading to increased hostility.

On Monday morning, the situation became more volatile as the municipal teams began tearing down parts of the mosque. This action sparked further outrage among demonstrators, who felt that their concerns were not being addressed. The local community has expressed fears about losing their religious site, leading to a significant clash between the police and protesters.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding religious sites in India, especially in the context of significant cultural events like the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how both the local government and the protesting community will navigate this contentious issue and address the grievances raised by the residents of Ujjain.

Source: scroll.in