Murshidabad on Edge as Humayun Kabir Announces Foundation of Babri-Like Mosque

Murshidabad (West Bengal): Controversy has arisen in Murshidabad, West Bengal. Suspended MLA Humayun Kabir has announced that he will lay the foundation stone of a Babri-style mosque in the Beldanga-Rejinagar area on December 6. Due to this plan and date, full security has been deployed in the area—police, RAF, and BSF have been sent after declaring it a high-security zone. 

The much-awaited proposal of the mosque foundation—or the beginning of a storm?

According to Kabir, this mosque is a religious and symbolic initiative. He has said that the mosque will be built on about 25 bighas of land, and it is claimed that about 3 lakh people will participate during this period. There are plans to have religious leaders from different states participate. Preparations for camping sites, catering, and the mega event have begun—40,000 packets of food have been earmarked for the guests and 20,000 for the locals. It is estimated that Rs 30-35 lakh will be spent on food alone, and the overall event could cost Rs 60-70 lakh.

The security system is strong, but the city is burning

The announcement of the construction of this mosque has made the situation sensitive. Nearby police forces, RAF-BSF, have been deployed. Flag marches and patrolling continue in NH-12 and surrounding areas. The Calcutta High Court has refused to interfere in the matter and has given the responsibility of maintaining law and order to the state government. Authorities have not yet given permission for the ceremony, but the atmosphere remains tense. 

Politics, history and emotions—all eyes on Murshidabad

This thing is not limited to mosques only. After this announcement, a round of allegations and counter-allegations has started among political parties. Humayun Kabir has been suspended from his party, Trinamool Congress (TMC), and it has been said that his campaign is a move to incite communal tension. At the same time, supporters are calling it a part of religious freedom and identity.

Will Murshidabad provoke again?

While on one hand people are calling it the right to religious freedom, on the other hand it is difficult to decide whether it will be a safe event or will give vent to old sentiments. The sensitivity of history, social fabric, and current political environment—all these will have a deep impact.