In Murshidabad, West Bengal, suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir laid the foundation stone for a mosque, dubbed ‘Babar Masjid,’ sparking widespread discussion and protests nationwide.
Babri Masjid Controversy: Similar to the controversy surrounding the laying of the foundation stone for the Babri Masjid in Bhopal, the Murshidabad incident has gained national attention. Hundreds of activists from the Shri Hindu Utsav Samiti and the Santhara Bachao Manch in Bhopal staged a b protest, demanding that the mosque’s name be changed to honor patriotic Muslim figures instead of the controversial Mughal emperor Babar. Protesters argued that Babar, whom they termed a ‘foreign invader,’ destroyed thousands of Hindu temples in India, making the use of his name for the mosque unacceptable.
Atmosphere of Protest
The demonstration, held at the 2nd Stop in Bhopal, saw a large gathering of organizational workers who expressed their demands through slogans and banners. Workers emphatically stated that if a mosque were to be built, its name should be chosen in honor of patriotic Muslim figures such as Dr. Abdul Kalam or Ashraf Ali Khan.
Chandrashekhar Tiwari, the organization’s president, stated, “If a mosque is to be built, its name should be chosen in honor of patriotic Muslim figures such as Dr. Abdul Kalam or Ashraf Ali Khan.”
The protesters also carried a controversial poster reading ‘Toilet named Babar,’ intending to install it in a public restroom complex. However, the police immediately intervened and seized the poster. A scuffle ensued between the protesters and police personnel during this time.
Deployment of Police and QRF
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the Bhopal Police deployed over 40 QRF (Quick Reaction Force) personnel, along with a heavy contingent of police, to control the demonstration. Authorities emphasized the need for swift action in such disputes to prevent social unrest and violence. This incident is rooted in the event that occurred in Murshidabad, West Bengal, where suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir laid the foundation stone for the mosque on December 6th. The Calcutta High Court declined to intervene in the case, and Kabir subsequently claimed it was his constitutional right. This action ignited a nationwide debate on religious and political grounds.
