UJJAIN: Hundreds of Muslims have gathered inside and around the historic Shahi Mosque in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, to protest plans to partially demolish the mosque as part of a road-widening project ahead of the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh festival.
Protesters say they have maintained a round-the-clock presence at the mosque for nearly two weeks, taking turns in shifts and continuing to offer the five daily prayers there.
Tensions reportedly increased after police presence around the mosque was strengthened and Rapid Response Force personnel were deployed. Demolition equipment was also brought to the site, prompting a large number of Muslims to gather inside and outside the mosque. The proposed demolition operation was subsequently halted.
A member of the mosque committee said at least 1,000 people were inside the mosque after the noon prayer, with protesters continuing to rotate in shifts to maintain their presence.
Mufti Juned, a religious scholar from Indore, opposed the proposed demolition and warned that action against the Shahi Mosque could set a precedent for similar measures involving other mosques. He argued that development projects should not result in the gradual removal of religious sites.
He also referred to the earlier demolition of the Takhiya Mosque in Ujjain, saying that what Muslims describe as unfulfilled assurances from officials had contributed to their decision to remain at the Shahi Mosque to protect it.
The Shahi Mosque is located near the Mahakaleshwar Temple and the Shipra River. Under the disputed road-widening plan, the route is expected to be expanded to 15 metres to accommodate traffic and the large number of pilgrims expected during the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh festival.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court rejected two petitions challenging the Ujjain municipality’s decision in early September. The court said the municipal action was being carried out in accordance with regulations and cited traffic requirements and the expected influx of pilgrims during the major Hindu religious festival.
The court also noted that portions of 10 temples and one mosque had previously been removed along the same route. Ujjain authorities have reportedly undertaken development-related action involving around 80 religious sites in the city.
The dispute over the Shahi Mosque has now become a focal point of tensions between local authorities and Muslims who fear that the proposed demolition could have wider implications for religious sites in Ujjain.
