Curfew-Like Situation Around Shahi Masjid In MP’s Ujjain, One-Km Radius Cordoned Off

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh experienced an undeclared curfew-like situation on Tuesday around Shahi Masjid, located at Chhatri Chowk. The administration cordoned off a one-kilometer radius of the mosque following a stone-pelting incident that occurred on Monday. Barricades were erected along roads and lanes leading to Chhatri Chowk, primarily from Kanthal Chauraha, Gudri Chauraha, and Qumari Marg. A significant police presence was deployed in the area.

Business and commercial activities were severely impacted, and residents found it challenging to access religious sites in the vicinity. Shop owners, houseowners, and tenants were permitted entry after providing their addresses and identity cards. Media personnel were also required to show their identification to reach Chhatri Chowk.

By the afternoon, all routes leading to Chhatri Chowk and Gopal Mandir were blocked. The administration erected scaffolding outside the mosque, raising speculations about the removal of its 120-foot minaret using heavy machinery. There were also concerns that the administration aimed to expedite the work as manual removal was slow.

People and media personnel from Ujjain, other parts of Madhya Pradesh, and outside the state were barred from approaching within 100-200 meters of Shahi Masjid.