Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of the Babri Masjid in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district today. The foundation stone laying ceremony has already sparked controversy, and a large number of security forces have been deployed in the district to prevent tensions. The day is highly sensitive as it marks the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992, and a heavy police presence has been deployed to prevent any untoward incident.
Humayun Kabir announced in late November that he would lay the foundation stone for a replica of the Babri Masjid in Beldanga on December 6th. He stated that the mosque would be completed in three to four years. The TMC suspended Kabir from the party on December 4th, calling the move communal politics. On Friday, the Calcutta High Court refused to ban the event, stating that the state government was responsible for maintaining law and order.
In Beldanga, Murshidabad district, suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir is organizing a foundation stone laying ceremony for a mosque modeled after the Babri Masjid. Kabir has declared that the mosque will be built “like the Babri Masjid.” Despite his suspension from the TMC, Kabir remains firm on his stand. He stated, “Whether I am arrested or killed, the event will take place.” He has also announced the launch of his own party.
The venue has been bustling with activity since early morning. Humayun Kabir’s supporters have decorated the stage, and people have already arrived. Locals are bringing bricks and cement. According to the organizers, 300,000 people may attend the event. Reports suggest that a Maulana from Saudi Arabia is also attending. In anticipation of the large crowd, preparations have been made to prepare biryani for approximately 60,000 people. This includes 40,000 guests and approximately 20,000 locals.
The district administration has issued a high alert for the event. Rapid Action Force teams are deployed along the routes of Rainagar, Beldanga, and NH-12. Around 3,000 volunteers are controlling traffic, while central forces are also present. Police have stated that maintaining peace is their priority.
The BJP has strongly condemned the proposed mosque foundation stone laying ceremony, stating that the move is a deliberate attempt to incite socio-communal tension and unrest. Several party leaders have called it an attempt to hurt Hindu sentiments and an election conspiracy. Congress has also criticized and opposed the event.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already stated that she does not engage in communal politics. Today, she tweeted on social media platforms, saying, “I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to everyone on the occasion of ‘Sanghtan Diwas’/’Sampriti Diwas’. The land of Bengal is the land of unity. This land is the land of Rabindranath, the land of Nazrul, the land of Ramakrishna Vivekananda. This land has never bowed to division, and will never bow in the future. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, and Buddhists, we all know how to walk shoulder to shoulder in Bengal. We share happiness because we believe that religion is personal, but festivals belong to everyone. Our fight against those who are trying to destroy the country by fanning the flames of communalism will continue. May everyone maintain peace and harmony.”
