Hundreds of Muslims gather at Ujjain mosque to resist demolition

Ujjain: To prevent the proposed demolition of parts of the mosque in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain, hundreds of Muslims have gathered inside and around the historic Shahi Masjid here. The mass gathering was intended to resist the planned removal of portions of the structure for a road-widening project linked to preparations for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh, according to a report by Maktoob.

The crowd reportedly grew on Sunday night as demolition machinery remained stationed outside the mosque. Members of the local Muslim community have been staying at the site for several weeks amid the dispute over the proposed action.

For the second consecutive night, Muslims in Ujjain have gathered inside and outside the historic Shahi Masjid to prevent its partial demolition, as bulldozers remain stationed outside the mosque for the demolition action.

Speaking to Maktoob, advocate Zaid Pathan of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights said, “The Numainda Committee, along with its lawyer, is already in the process of approaching the Supreme Court to challenge the High Court’s order.”

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The road project involves widening a 730-metre stretch between Khajur Wali Masjid and Ganesh Chowk to 15 metres to facilitate the movement of pilgrims visiting the Mahakaleshwar Temple. The project is expected to affect 272 structures.

At the Shahi Masjid, the proposed demolition includes part of the Jamat Khana, a 120-foot minaret and the Mazhar Chouk Shahi. Muslim representatives have expressed concern that the action could put other historic mosques in Ujjain at risk as the city undergoes redevelopment ahead of the major Hindu pilgrimage.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently rejected two petitions challenging demolition notices issued by the Ujjain Municipal Corporation. The court held that the proposed action complied with applicable statutory provisions and that mosque administrators had been given an opportunity to present their case.

The Numainda Committee is now approaching the Supreme Court to challenge the High Court order, according to advocate Zaid Pathan of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights. Protesters, meanwhile, continue their stay inside the mosque as a means of opposing the proposed demolition.