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New Delhi: A tight security grid has been enforced at the site in West Bengal's Murshidabad district where suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir has proposed to lay the foundation stone of 'Babri Masjid-style' mosque on Saturday. The MLA said that the ceremony would begin with Quran recitation at 10 am while the foundation event will be held at noon.
Kabir sparked a political controversy for proposing to build a mosque akin to Babri Masjid on December 6. He was suspended by the ruling TMC on Thursday for anti-party activities. Mamata Banerjee's party in the state said that it will not let anyone do politics in the name of religion.
Saudi clerics, biryani packets for guests
The rebel legislator has said that "nearly 3 lakh people will gather across 25 bighas near Moradighi on Saturday". He also said that two Saudi clerics will also arrive in a special convoy from Kolkata airport for the ceremony.
Besides, catering agencies in Murshidabad have also been contacted to prepare biryani for the volunteers. According to a close aide of the MLA, nearly 40,000 packets were being made for guests and another 20,000 for local residents.
According to a schedule outlining circulated by the organisers, special guests, including the visiting Saudi clerics, arrived at 8 am, while Quran recitation will begin at 10 am. The main ceremony will begin at noon, while a community meal will be held at 2 pm. By 4 pm, the ground will be cleared as per police directives.
Security stepped up in Murshidabad
Meanwhile, security has been tightened in the district with the deployment of more than 3,500 personnel across Beldanga and Raninagar police station jurisdictions and near the NH-12 highway.
The Calcutta High Court, responding to a PIL, directed the West Bengal government take all necessary actions to prevent any communal unrest due to the event. A division bench led by Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul said the state must “strictly maintain” law and order in the region and ensure the safety of residents.
