📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Md iet
Religion
Partial demolition of historic mosque in Ujjain sparks tension ahead of Kumbh pilgrimage
✍️ aljazeera.com
🗓 01 Oct 2026, 10:16 AM
👁 15
A section of a centuries‑old mosque in Ujjain was partially demolished to make way for the upcoming Kumbh Mela, prompting unrest among local residents.
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh – Authorities removed a portion of a historic mosque in the city to clear space for the Kumbh Mela, one of Hinduism’s largest pilgrimages, scheduled to begin later this month. The demolition, carried out early this week, targeted a small wing of the structure that officials said obstructed the planned expansion of the pilgrimage grounds.
Local residents and community leaders expressed alarm, alleging that the demolition violated heritage protection norms and inflamed communal sensitivities. Several protest groups gathered outside the site, demanding that the remaining parts of the mosque be left untouched and that a dialogue be opened with Muslim community representatives.
The district administration has defended the action, stating that the work was limited to a non‑essential section and was undertaken after consulting urban planners. Police were deployed to maintain order, and no injuries were reported. The incident has added to an already charged atmosphere in the city as it prepares to host millions of pilgrims.
Human rights observers have called for an independent review of the demolition, warning that such actions could set a precedent for future disputes over religious sites. The state government has not yet announced any further steps to address the concerns raised by the protests.
Local residents and community leaders expressed alarm, alleging that the demolition violated heritage protection norms and inflamed communal sensitivities. Several protest groups gathered outside the site, demanding that the remaining parts of the mosque be left untouched and that a dialogue be opened with Muslim community representatives.
The district administration has defended the action, stating that the work was limited to a non‑essential section and was undertaken after consulting urban planners. Police were deployed to maintain order, and no injuries were reported. The incident has added to an already charged atmosphere in the city as it prepares to host millions of pilgrims.
Human rights observers have called for an independent review of the demolition, warning that such actions could set a precedent for future disputes over religious sites. The state government has not yet announced any further steps to address the concerns raised by the protests.