West Bengal’s Murshidabad district is on high alert this Saturday as suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir presses ahead with plans to lay the foundation of a mosque modelled on the Babri Masjid, originally demolished in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992. The proposed construction has stirred controversy, given the sensitive historical context, and authorities have mobilized multiple layers of security to prevent any disruption or communal tension.
The Beldanga area, where the mosque is to be built, has been designated a “high security” zone. The district police, Rapid Action Force (RAF), and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have been deployed in significant numbers, ensuring that every approach to the site is monitored. According to PTI, RAF units were stationed at a local school in Rejinagar ahead of their final deployment, while reinforcements were sent from Krishnanagar and Berhampore. Central forces conducted route marches and patrolled areas near the proposed construction site throughout Friday and early Saturday to preempt any disturbances.
Governor’s Call for Calm
Recognizing the sensitivities surrounding the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose issued a public appeal urging residents to remain calm. In a post on X, he emphasized that the administration should act proactively to maintain law and order.
Governor Bose also announced the creation of an ‘Access Point Cell’ at Lok Bhavan, which will operate 24×7, headed by retired IAS officer SK Pattanayak. The cell is expected to serve as a central coordination hub for security agencies, ensuring real-time updates and swift action should any incidents arise. The governor’s intervention underlined the administration’s awareness of the potential for tension in the district and its commitment to prevent communal flare-ups.
Humayun Kabir’s Role and Plans
Humayun Kabir, suspended by the TMC on Thursday for what the party described as “communal politics,” has remained steadfast in pursuing his plan. Kabir submitted a formal request seeking permission for the programme, assuring the authorities that his volunteers would be present to maintain order and monitor the proceedings. He was also personally overseeing stage preparations in Rejinagar, signaling his intent to ensure that the programme proceeds smoothly.
Despite Kabir’s assurances, the state administration has not yet formally approved the event. Legal intervention had been sought in the Calcutta High Court, with petitioners requesting a stay on the foundation-laying ceremony on grounds that it could potentially disrupt communal harmony. However, the court declined to intervene, leaving the responsibility for maintaining law and order with the West Bengal government.
Kabir, whose political trajectory has seen multiple controversies in the past—including remarks that have drawn showcause notices from his party—has indicated that he will resign as MLA and launch his own political outfit later this month. The timing of the foundation-laying ceremony on the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya adds to the heightened sensitivity of the day.
Historical Context
December 6, 1992, marks the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya, an event that triggered nationwide communal unrest and has remained a deeply polarizing chapter in Indian history. The site where the mosque once stood is now occupied by the Ram Mandir, following the Supreme Court’s verdict that resolved the decades-long dispute.
By choosing this date to lay the foundation of a mosque in Murshidabad, Kabir has inevitably drawn attention and stirred political and communal discourse. Authorities are treating the event with utmost caution, recognizing that even a minor incident could escalate rapidly in the charged atmosphere surrounding the anniversary.
Security Arrangements
The security preparations have been extensive and multi-layered. In addition to the local district police, rapid deployment units such as the RAF and BSF have been positioned strategically around key entry and exit points. The forces have been conducting patrols, vehicle checks, and surveillance sweeps, ensuring that all routes leading to the proposed mosque site are secure.
Officials are also coordinating with Kabir’s volunteers and local community representatives to ensure smooth conduct of the event. High visibility patrolling and strategic checkpoints have been established to deter any possible disruptions. The district administration has placed particular emphasis on crowd control measures, given the likelihood of large gatherings, and has coordinated with neighboring districts to provide reinforcements if required.
Administrative and Political Dimensions
While Kabir continues to assert that the event will be peaceful, the political dimensions of the situation cannot be overlooked. His suspension from the TMC, combined with the decision to launch a new political outfit, indicates that the foundation-laying ceremony is as much a political statement as a religious one. Analysts note that the move could be interpreted as an effort to consolidate a specific voter base and draw attention to Kabir’s political ambitions ahead of the upcoming state elections.
Meanwhile, the state government has been urged to ensure strict adherence to law and order. With the high court declining intervention, the administration bears full responsibility for preventing any disturbances. Officials have reportedly been instructed to monitor social media closely, identify potential flashpoints, and maintain open communication channels with community leaders to mitigate tensions.
Public Sentiment and Precautionary Measures
The residents of Murshidabad are aware of the sensitivity surrounding the event. Local authorities have emphasized that the cooperation of the community is crucial for a peaceful outcome. Schools, businesses, and public offices in the vicinity have been advised to follow special instructions to minimize disruption and maintain safety.
In addition, the authorities have communicated emergency contact numbers and established rapid response teams to address any unforeseen incidents promptly. Traffic diversions, temporary barricades, and crowd management teams are in place to manage the expected influx of visitors.
Looking Ahead
As the foundation-laying ceremony unfolds, the focus of law enforcement agencies and political leaders alike remains on preventing any untoward incidents. With historical sensitivities, political ambitions, and religious sentiments converging in Murshidabad, Saturday will be a test of administrative efficiency and communal harmony.
Governor CV Ananda Bose’s appeal for calm, combined with the extensive security arrangements, aims to ensure that the event proceeds peacefully, without rekindling past tensions. The situation is being closely monitored by authorities, with the understanding that public safety and maintenance of law and order are paramount.
For Humayun Kabir, the event represents both a political statement and a commitment to his constituency, while for the administration, it is a delicate balancing act to uphold security, communal harmony, and legal responsibility. How the day unfolds will be closely observed across the state and by political analysts nationwide.
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