Tensions Rise in Ujjain as Mosque Portion Removed Amid Security Concerns
Security Measures Intensified During Mosque Removal
Photo: @ians_india/X
Ujjain, Sep 29: The ongoing removal of a section of the Shahi Masjid at Chhatri Chowk in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, entered its second day on Tuesday, accompanied by heightened security measures. A significant police presence was established following a previous incident of stone-pelting.
To ensure safety, numerous police officers were stationed around the area, leading to the closure of nearby markets. Regular patrols were conducted to uphold public order.
Ujjain Collector Raushan Kumar Singh, who was on-site, reported that the situation remained calm and manageable. He stated, "Peace and security are fully maintained here, and the law and order situation is completely under control. We are present at the spot and closely monitoring the situation."
The section of the mosque being dismantled is located within the alignment of a road that is being expanded in preparation for Simhastha 2028.
As per the district administration, representatives from the Muslim community had consented to the voluntary removal of the affected section after a meeting with senior officials and police on Sunday night.
The removal process commenced on Monday under the supervision of administrative and police officials but faced a temporary halt when a crowd gathered, resulting in stone-pelting directed at the police.
In response, law enforcement deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd and subsequently reinforced security around Chhatri Chowk. Senior officers remained on-site to oversee the operation and ensure public safety.
Eight FIRs have been filed at Mahakal, Kharakuwa, and Kotwali police stations concerning the stone-pelting incidents, implicating 20 individuals.
Authorities confirmed that all individuals named in the stone-pelting cases have been apprehended. Additionally, an FIR was lodged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for the alleged dissemination of false messages and videos on social media.
Police reported that Imran Khan had shared a message on Instagram on September 27, calling for people to gather at Chhatri Chowk. Another video circulated on Instagram featured a person named Arif Pathan, who allegedly urged individuals to assemble near the mosque at 2 a.m.
The road-widening initiative aims to enhance connectivity and facilitate the movement of pilgrims and religious processions through the congested areas of Ujjain ahead of Simhastha 2028. Raushan Kumar Singh urged the public to cooperate, maintain peace, and avoid spreading rumors, assuring that the situation is under close observation.