MEERUT, March 17 -- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Sunday began the painting work at the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal district following a directive from the Allahabad high court. The process commenced on Sunday morning with workers applying fresh coats of paint to the mosque's walls under the supervision of ASI officials and the mosque committee.

Mosque committee president Zafar Ali said, "The whitewashing of the outer wall of the Shahi Jama Masjid began on Sunday morning. ASI team is supervising the work. We are also being consulted by them. Today, 10 workers are working, we have asked ASI to increase the number so that the work can be completed at the earliest."

"If the work has to be completed in four days, then around ...