Meerut, Feb. 25 -- Ahead of Ramzan, the Shahi Jama Masjid management committee in Sambhal district has formally approached the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for permission to undertake cleaning, whitewashing, and decoration of the historic mosque.

In a letter addressed to the ASI's Meerut office, Zafar Ali, the president of the Shahi Jama Masjid management committee, highlighted that these activities have been part of a long-standing tradition carried out annually before Ramzan.

He also noted that no formal permissions had been sought in previous years, and the ASI had never raised objections to the routine upkeep of the mosque.

However, following the violence during a survey of the mosque on November 24, 2024, the committee has...