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Security was stepped up around the Shahi Masjid in Ujjain on Wednesday, with police personnel continuing to be deployed in the area a day after clashes broke out between police and a crowd over the removal of a portion of the mosque for a road-widening project.
The situation at the site remained peaceful on Wednesday morning, with security forces maintaining a presence around the mosque. The clashes had taken place on September 28 when a large crowd confronted police during the demolition-related operation. Police had used tear gas shells and resorted to a baton charge to disperse the crowd following incidents of stone pelting. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were also deployed as authorities intensified security arrangements. More than 2,500 police personnel and officers were deployed across Ujjain, while Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma remained present at the site. An alert was also issued across the city. On Tuesday, Ujjain District Collector Roshan Kumar Singh said complete calm prevailed at the Shahi Masjid site and that members of the mosque committee were themselves removing the portion affected by the road-widening project. Complete calm prevails at the site. The members of the Shahi Masjid Committee are themselves removing the portion of the structure affected by the road-widening project. Yesterday, some individuals attempted to create an unpleasant situation, and the strictest possible action is being taken against them, Singh told ANI. Iron scaffolding has been erected around the mosque, while police conducted a mounted march in the area. Shops around the mosque were earlier cleared under police supervision. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has meanwhile disposed of a petition concerning the dispute after the Shahi Masjid Committee and the state administration reached a compromise. According to the committee's advocate Kuldeep Pathak, the administration had initially sought 9.5 feet of space, but the settlement provides for removal of a three-foot portion of the structure. The administration has also agreed to alternative arrangements for affected shops, compensation as per standard acquisition norms and shifting of the minaret within the mosque complex. The road-widening work is being undertaken ahead of preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh. (ANI)
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