Volunteers Begin Partial Removal at Historic Mosque in India Amid Road-Widening Dispute

Volunteers Begin Partial Removal at Historic Mosque in India Amid Road-Widening Dispute
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Volunteers at the historic Shahi Masjid in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, began manually removing a three-foot section of the mosque’s hanging slab on Monday following tensions over a proposed demolition linked to a road-widening project.

The move came after days of protests and a vigil by members of the Muslim community, who had gathered at the mosque to oppose a larger demolition plan. According to local residents, an agreement was reached with authorities to remove only the section that does not affect prayer areas.

Tensions rose after police arrived with heavy security and machinery, leading to clashes with some gathered residents, with reports of tear gas being used to disperse crowds. Officials said the mosque committee agreed to the partial removal as part of preparations for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh festival.

The dispute is part of a wider road expansion project that also involves discussions over the mosque’s minaret. Authorities said security measures were in place to maintain order, while community members continued to express concerns over the future of the historic site.