Stone pelting, tear gas and clashes with police: What is happening in Ujjain | India News
NEW DELHI: Tensions rose in Ujjain on Monday as protesters clashed with police during demonstrations over development work in the city. Police were deployed in large numbers around the Shahi Masjid Complex as sporadic protests and stone pelting were reported in the area.The clashes erupted after the demolition of a portion of the Shahi Masjid as part of a road-widening project. The work is linked to preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2028, with authorities planning a major infrastructure overhaul ahead of the religious gathering.Police used tear gas shells to control a crowd in the city as stone pelting occurred when a large group of people clashed with them at the spot where a portion of Shahi Masjid was planned to be demolished.Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel has been deployed at the spot.SP Pradeep Sharma says, “…all communities and sections of society are continuously extending their cooperation and support in their respective areas. Even today, the demolition work, initiated by the mosque committee itself, is underway at the Shahi Masjid. As a precautionary measure, a full security perimeter has been established, and entry is prohibited for everyone. However, certain miscreants attempted to create a disturbance and resorted to stone-pelting. The police personnel present at the scene responded by using tear gas and mild force to disperse the crowd. Leaders from the Muslim community are also issuing video messages urging calm… The situation is now fully under control. The demolition work by the mosque committee is continuing steadily…”“We had anticipated this and conducted thorough briefings and multiple meetings to discuss every aspect. It is precisely because of this planning that we cleared the entire Chhatri Chowk area; there is no crowd here now, and a global security perimeter is in place. Some police personnel sustained minor injuries during the stone-pelting incident, but they remain alert and ready for duty,” he said.The officer futher said: “We utilized tear gas to manage the situation. The entire area is being monitored via CCTV and drones. We have also been keeping a close watch on social media. Individuals who came from outside the district to incite trouble were detained by the police at the border late last night and have been taken into custody at various police stations. We will now identify the perpetrators using CCTV and drone footage and register FIRs against those found involved. An attempt to block the road was also made by some women; however, after being counseled and shown video footage of the situation, they withdrew the blockade. The road is open. I appeal to everyone to please cooperate; if anyone engages in such activities, strict action will be taken against them. As you can all see, this entire undertaking is being carried out by the committee itself, with everyone’s consent.”
What happened at the site
Protesters tried to move through narrow lanes towards the area, with some women seen being pushed forward as the crowd attempted to proceed. Stones were also thrown at police personnel deployed to maintain order.The situation remained tense as security forces stayed at the spot to prevent further escalation.Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, meanwhile, criticised the demolition and urged the Madhya Pradesh government to take public sentiment into account.“The administrative efforts to demolish the Ujjain Shahi Masjid under the pretext of road widening should be a bit more sensitive. Demolishing a 600-year-old heritage site just for road widening and development in the name of progress is the height of hatred. It has come to my notice that when the matter is pending in court, what message does the administration intend to send by repeatedly laying siege to the masjid? Thousands of youth in Ujjain are continuously raising their voices on this issue. My request to the Ujjain administration is to respect public sentiments and acquire the necessary land for road widening from the other side. Demolishing such a historically significant heritage site cannot be considered a normal event under any circumstances,” the Congress MP said.
Road widening for Simhastha
The demolition is part of a larger road-widening exercise in Ujjain. Authorities have identified 272 structures for demolition as preparations intensify for the 2028 Simhastha gathering.Earlier, chief minister Mohan Yadav had participated in demolition work at his ancestral home. He said giving up the property had been emotionally difficult but was necessary for the wider development project.“This is the place where I grew up, playing and running around, and now I am stepping forward to dismantle it with my own hands. It certainly has an emotional impact. However, if it is necessary for the administration and essential for the Simhastha, then this sacrifice must be made. I am satisfied that we are all doing this together,” he said.Yadav said his decision was also intended to encourage other residents affected by the project to cooperate with the administration.
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“The entire state and the country are watching this. People are demolishing their homes willingly and happily, dedicating themselves to the cause so that others may benefit greatly,” he said.
Ujjain prepares for 2028 gathering
Ujjain Municipal Corporation chairperson Kalawati Yadav said preparations for Simhastha include several major infrastructure projects. The event is held once every 12 years on the banks of the Shipra River and is expected to draw millions of devotees.“In 2028, Ujjain will host the Simhastha Mela, one of the world’s largest spiritual gatherings, held every 12 years on the banks of the Shipra River. Extensive preparations are underway, including around 29 kilometres of new ghats, a diversion project, dams and other infrastructure works to improve the city. With millions of devotees expected, road widening has become essential,” she said.The road-widening project is part of the wider redevelopment plan aimed at improving Ujjain’s infrastructure and handling the expected influx of pilgrims during the 2028 Simhastha Mela.
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