Foundation stone of Babri Masjid to be laid on Dec 6 in WB: TMC MLA
The Babri Masjid, a 16th-century mosque in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, has been a topic of controversy and debate for decades. The mosque was demolished on December 6, 1992, by a group of Hindu extremists, leading to widespread violence and unrest across the country. Now, in a move that is likely to spark both interest and controversy, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA has announced that the foundation stone of a new Babri Masjid will be laid on December 6 in West Bengal.
According to TMC leader Humayun Kabir, the foundation stone of the Babri Masjid will be laid in Beldanga, Murshidabad district, on December 6. Kabir announced that the construction of the mosque is expected to take three years to complete and will be attended by various Muslim leaders. This move is seen as a significant development, especially given the sensitive nature of the Babri Masjid issue.
The original Babri Masjid was built in 1528 by Mir Baqi, a general of the Mughal emperor Babur. The mosque was constructed on a site that was believed to be the birthplace of the Hindu god Rama, and over time, it became a focal point of tension between Hindus and Muslims. The demolition of the mosque in 1992 was a pivotal moment in Indian history, leading to widespread riots and violence that resulted in the loss of thousands of lives.
In the years since the demolition, there have been numerous attempts to rebuild the mosque, but none have come to fruition. The issue has been the subject of intense litigation, with the Supreme Court ultimately ruling in 2019 that the site of the demolished mosque should be handed over to a trust to build a Hindu temple. The court also ordered the construction of a new mosque in Ayodhya, but the project has yet to materialize.
The announcement by Humayun Kabir that a new Babri Masjid will be built in West Bengal is likely to be seen as a significant development in this context. While the construction of a new mosque in a different state may not be directly related to the original site in Ayodhya, it is likely to be viewed as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Muslim community.
The fact that the foundation stone of the mosque will be laid on December 6, the anniversary of the demolition of the original Babri Masjid, is also significant. This date has become a sensitive and emotive issue, with many Muslims observing it as a day of mourning and protest. By laying the foundation stone on this date, the TMC leader is likely to be making a statement about the importance of remembering and honoring the past, while also looking towards the future.
It is worth noting that the construction of a new Babri Masjid in West Bengal is likely to be a complex and challenging process. The project will require significant funding, planning, and resources, and will need to navigate a range of logistical and bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, the project may face opposition from some quarters, particularly from Hindu nationalist groups who may view the construction of a new mosque as a provocative or inflammatory act.
Despite these challenges, the announcement by Humayun Kabir is likely to be seen as a positive development by many in the Muslim community. The construction of a new Babri Masjid, even if it is not located at the original site in Ayodhya, is likely to be viewed as a symbol of hope and resilience. It is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity and challenge, the Muslim community can come together to build and create something new and meaningful.
In conclusion, the announcement that the foundation stone of a new Babri Masjid will be laid on December 6 in West Bengal is a significant development that is likely to have far-reaching implications. While the construction of a new mosque in a different state may not be directly related to the original site in Ayodhya, it is a powerful symbol of solidarity and hope for the Muslim community. As the project moves forward, it will be important to watch how it unfolds, and to consider the complex range of factors and emotions that are at play.