Murshidabad (West Bengal): Controversy has arisen in Murshidabad, West Bengal. Suspended MLA Humayun Kabir has spoken that he will lay the foundation stone of a Babri-style mosque in the Beldanga-Rejinagar zone on December 6. Due to this plan and date, full security has been deployed in the area—police, RAF, and BSF have been sent without declaring it a high-security zone.
The much-awaited proposal of the mosque foundation—or the whence of a storm?
According to Kabir, this mosque is a religious and symbolic initiative. He has said that the mosque will be built on well-nigh 25 bighas of land, and it is personal that well-nigh 3 lakh people will participate during this period. There are plans to have religious leaders from variegated states participate. Preparations for camping sites, catering, and the mega event have begun—40,000 packets of supplies have been earmarked for the guests and 20,000 for the locals. It is unscientific that Rs 30-35 lakh will be spent on supplies alone, and the overall event could forfeit Rs 60-70 lakh.
The security system is strong, but the municipality is burning
The utterance of the construction of this mosque has made the situation sensitive. Nearby police forces, RAF-BSF, have been deployed. Flag marches and patrolling protract 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 undercurrent remains tense.
Politics, history and emotions—all vision on Murshidabad
This thing is not limited to mosques only. Without 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 wayfarers is a move to incite communal tension. At the same time, supporters are calling it a part of religious self-rule 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 unscratched event or will requite vent to old sentiments. The sensitivity of history, social fabric, and current political environment—all these will have a deep impact.
