The president of the Muslim organization Tahreek Muslim Shabban, Mushtaq Malik, has announced plans to construct a memorial dedicated to the Babri Masjid in Greater Hyderabad. The announcement was made on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the mosque's demolition on December 7, following a public meeting in the city.
Announcement and Planned Institutions
Malik stated that the decision emerged from a routine public gathering at a mosque in Hyderabad. He revealed that alongside the memorial, the project would encompass the establishment of welfare institutions. Details regarding the construction timeline and methodology are promised to be disclosed soon. This development in Hyderabad coincides with a separate initiative in West Bengal, where suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir has laid a foundation stone for a Babri Masjid in Murshidabad.
Historical Arguments and Political Reactions
Addressing the controversy around the name, Malik dismissed concerns as political propaganda. He argued that there is no evidence of funding from Emperor Babur for the original mosque's construction in Ayodhya, suggesting a local individual with the same name might be involved. He cited historical texts, noting that Tulsidas's Ramayana, written decades after the mosque's construction, does not mention the demolition of a temple. Malik also pointed to the religious tolerance during Akbar's reign to counter the narrative.
He expressed a grave concern that such issues are shattering inter-community brotherhood and sowing seeds of hatred. The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from BJP leaders. BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh condemned the actions in Murshidabad, calling Babur a tyrant who spilled Hindu blood and stating India would never accept a monument in his name.
Constitutional Defense and Parallel Project
In defense of his actions in Murshidabad, Humayun Kabir asserted his constitutional right, drawing parallels to the construction of temples and churches. He referenced the Supreme Court judgement acknowledging the mosque's demolition by Hindu people and the subsequent decision to build a temple in Ayodhya. Kabir announced an ambitious 300-crore rupee project that will include a hospital, guesthouse, and meeting hall. He concluded with a firm declaration: "It is a promise of the Muslims: The Babri Masjid will be built, it will be built, it will be built."
The twin announcements have reignited a sensitive socio-political debate, highlighting deep-seated historical perspectives and contemporary constitutional interpretations surrounding religious structures in India.
