Hyderabad: In the wake of renewed debates over the legacy of the Babri Masjid, a Muslim organisation in Hyderabad has announced plans to build a memorial dedicated to the demolished mosque, accompanied by welfare facilities, in Greater Hyderabad. The announcement was made by Mushtaq Malik, president of Tahreek Muslim Shabban, during a public gathering on December 6, marking the 33rd anniversary of the mosque’s demolition.
Malik, addressing the crowd, stated that the anniversary was observed in Hyderabad with a routine public meeting, during which the decision was taken to construct the memorial. He added that the memorial would also host welfare institutions, though specifics regarding the construction timeline or design are yet to be formally announced. “We will soon announce how it will be built and by when,” Malik said, highlighting that the initiative aimed to combine remembrance with community service.
Background of the Babri Masjid and Its Demolition
The Babri Masjid, located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, was demolished on December 6, 1992 by a mob of Hindutva activists. The site is widely believed by Hindus to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, where a temple once stood before the mosque’s construction in the 16th century. The demolition led to nationwide communal riots and long-drawn legal and political debates. In 2019, the Supreme Court of India ruled in favour of constructing a Ram Mandir at the disputed site, a project that has since been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In this context, the plan to build a memorial in Hyderabad carries symbolic significance for sections of the Muslim community, who view it as a gesture of remembrance for the demolished mosque while also seeking to integrate social welfare components.
Mushtaq Malik on Political Controversy and Religious Coexistence
Responding to criticism over the name “Babri Masjid” and historical references to Babur, Malik emphasised that the controversy has been politically manufactured. He argued that the mosque’s historical context has been misrepresented in public discourse. “No one should be bothered by the name of Babur. There was no evidence that any revenue came from Babur’s side to build the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya,” ANI quoted Malik.
He further pointed to Mughal-era practices to highlight religious coexistence under later rulers, insisting that the current debate is primarily aimed at dividing communities. Malik added, “The brotherhood that existed between Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Dalits has been shattered by this, and the seeds of hatred have been sown.”
The statement underscores the organisation’s narrative that the memorial is intended as a symbol of cultural and religious remembrance rather than a provocative political statement.
Parallel Development: Babri Masjid Replica in West Bengal
The announcement from Hyderabad comes just days after a suspended TMC MLA, Humayun Kabir, laid the foundation stone for a Babri Masjid-style structure in Murshidabad, West Bengal. Kabir’s project, reportedly worth ₹300 crore, is planned to include a hospital, guesthouse, and meeting hall, in addition to the mosque-style structure.
Kabir defended his move against criticism from the BJP, insisting that it falls within his legal rights. “I am not doing anything unconstitutional. Anyone can build a temple, anyone can build a church; I will build a mosque,” he said. The BJP, however, condemned the initiative, accusing the West Bengal government of encouraging communal polarisation. BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh criticised the project, asserting, “India will never accept any monuments associated with Babur. The same Babur who came to India aiming to wipe out the country’s culture was condemned by Guru Nanak Sahib as a tyrant.”
The Hyderabad memorial announcement appears to mirror, in part, the West Bengal initiative, though Tahreek Muslim Shabban has emphasised that their project will focus on community welfare and historical commemoration rather than provoking political controversy.
Wider Implications and Community Reaction
The proposal for a memorial in Hyderabad reflects the continued resonance of the Babri Masjid issue across India, even decades after the original demolition. For Muslim organisations like Tahreek Muslim Shabban, the memorial represents both a symbolic reminder of historical grievances and a practical effort to support local communities through welfare initiatives.
The inclusion of facilities such as hospitals, guesthouses, and community centres alongside the memorial is intended to project a holistic approach, balancing historical remembrance with tangible benefits for residents of Greater Hyderabad. By coupling memorialisation with social services, the organisation appears to aim for broader acceptance and to avoid accusations of purely political motivation.
Malik’s statements on the need to restore communal harmony and resist divisive propaganda underscore a desire to frame the initiative in terms of peaceful coexistence and community upliftment, rather than political contestation.
Conclusion
The twin developments in West Bengal and Hyderabad highlight the continuing salience of Babri Masjid in India’s socio-political discourse. While the West Bengal replica has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents, the Hyderabad memorial appears focused on welfare and remembrance, seeking to balance history with social utility.
Whether the Hyderabad project will ignite controversy similar to the West Bengal initiative remains to be seen. For now, Tahreek Muslim Shabban’s announcement positions the memorial as a symbol of remembrance, cultural assertion, and community welfare, set against the backdrop of a historical dispute that continues to reverberate in Indian society.
The coming months will determine how the plans are executed and received, and whether they can indeed serve as a bridge between historical memory and contemporary community needs, or whether they become yet another flashpoint in India’s complex landscape of historical and religious debates.
Leave a Reply