MEERUT: The whitewashing of the 16th-century Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid’s outer walls began on Sunday under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), following Allahabad high court’s directive in the presence of the mosque committee and ASI officials. The mosque has been at the centre of controversy since Nov 24, 2024, when violence erupted after a local court ordered a survey following a petition claiming the mosque was built over an ancient Harihar temple. Five people were killed, and several, including police personnel, were injured in the clashes.
Farman Ali, the ASI-appointed painting contractor, said that nine painters from Delhi and Haryana arrived in the morning and started clearing the surroundings. “The exterior walls will first get a white coat, followed by a final layer matching the mosque’s original colour. More people may be put to work if needed. The painting is expected to be completed within a week in time for Eid,” he said.
Mosque president Zafar Ali said the work was proceeding as per high court orders. “Additional workforce will be deployed to expedite the work. ASI officials are supervising the exterior painting and repairs. The rear wall and sides of the mosque are being painted white in the initial phase,” he said.
Amid reported objections from the Hindu side over the use of green paint, Ali said, “We are using the colours that have been used for hundreds of years. We are using white, green and light golden colours.” He also mentioned that the court had ordered ASI and the mosque committee to jointly carry out the painting work. “All ASI labourers are engaged, and the work is being done under their direction and supervision. We will complete this together,” he said.
