Tear Gas, Lathi Charge In Protesters vs Cops Over Ujjain Mosque Removal
Protesters and police clashed in Ujjain, India, following the proposed partial demolition of a centuries-old mosque for a road-widening project. Authorities used tear gas to disperse the crowd, while political figures have criticized the move as insensitive to heritage and religious sentiments.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between urban infrastructure development and the preservation of religious heritage sites in India.
There was a showdown between cops and a large group of people in Ujjain on Monday at the spot where a portion of the Shahi Masjid is proposed to be demolished as part of a road-widening project, showed videos from the scene. Police used tear gas shells to control the restive crowd as stones were thrown at the security personnel, showed videos. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel are also present at the spot.A group of people and cops clashed in Ujjain over mosque demolitionThe road-widening initiative forms part of the broader infrastructure overhaul being undertaken in Ujjain to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims expected during the Simhastha Mela in 2028. 272 structures have been marked for demolition. The Shahi Masjid, described by community members as a centuries-old Waqf property (with some accounts dating it to around 1390), is proposed for partial demolition affecting portions of the prayer hall, a minaret, and related…
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