Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi urges peace amid Ujjain mosque row (Img: IANS)
All India Muslim Jamaat national president Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi has said the administration in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain should have first held talks with members of the mosque committee before taking action at the site.
Reacting to the unrest over the Shahi Masjid, Bareilvi said an attempt should have been made to build consensus with the mosque committee. He said the absence of such dialogue led to anger among people and eventually resulted in the situation turning tense.
Bareilvi said the mosque is around 600 years old and alleged that municipal and police-administration officials suddenly arrived at the site with bulldozers. The proposed removal of a portion of the mosque is linked to a road-widening project in Ujjain being undertaken ahead of the Simhastha 2028 religious gathering. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had dismissed petitions challenging the proposed partial demolition.
Following the administration’s action, members of the Muslim community gathered at the mosque to oppose the move. Bareilvi said people stayed at the site day and night to protect the mosque.
He questioned the administration’s handling of the matter and said local members of the mosque committee should have been approached for discussions before the action was initiated.
Bareilvi also appealed to Muslims to remain calm and maintain peace. He urged people to register their opposition through lawful and peaceful means.
“Violence is not the solution to any issue,” he said, stressing that violent protests could create several new problems. He added that protesting is a legal right, but any demonstration must remain within the bounds of law.
The All India Muslim Jamaat chief made a special appeal to Muslims in Ujjain to maintain peace and avoid creating a communal atmosphere.
He urged people not to resort to violence under any circumstances and said the issue should be pursued through unity, restraint and peaceful means.
