Ujjain Mosque Damaged During Road-Widening Work Amid Tensions

A segment of the historic Shahi Masjid in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, suffered damage on Thursday when municipal authorities proceeded with the demolition of a minaret as part of a road-widening initiative. The minaret, a traditional structure used for announcing daily prayers, collapsed, impacting both the dome and the first floor of the mosque. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during this incident, which has stirred significant concern among the local Muslim community.

This demolition effort has been contentious, especially following unrest earlier in the week. On Monday, protests erupted near the mosque when residents opposed the administration’s plans to alter parts of the structure. Clashes ensued, leading police to deploy tear gas in an attempt to control the situation, while demonstrators retaliated with stones.

The road-widening project is being carried out in anticipation of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu pilgrimage set to take place in March 2028 along the banks of the Kshipra River. This event attracts millions of followers every 12 years, making infrastructural improvements essential for accommodating the expected influx of visitors.

Footage emerged showing the moment the minaret collapsed during the demolition, evoking strong emotions from onlookers, particularly within the Muslim community. Local officials have characterized the incident as an accident attributed to malfunctioning machinery.

Khaleeq ur Rahman, a prominent Muslim cleric in Ujjain, confirmed that the minaret fell due to a failure in the crane’s equipment. He expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the need for greater care and consideration when handling historical religious structures. As the situation evolves, community leaders are calling for dialogue to address the grievances and safeguard the integrity of their cultural heritage amidst ongoing development projects.

Source: scroll.in