Odisha Government Cancels Major Islamic Conference Citing Security Concerns
The Odisha administration has made a sudden decision to cancel a significant three-day state-level Islamic conference, known as an Ijtema, which was scheduled to commence on Friday at Taratua village in Khurda district. This abrupt cancellation, attributed to administrative reasons, has left the Muslim community surprised and disappointed, as extensive preparations had already been completed for the annual religious congregation.
Official Justification for Cancellation
In an official letter issued by the office of the sub-collector of Khurda district, the authorities explicitly stated that the cancellation was due to the non-availability of an adequate police force. The administration anticipated a massive gathering at the venue, which could potentially compromise crowd management and public safety. The letter emphasized that the permission granted for organizing the Ijtema at Taratua was hereby revoked to prevent any adverse outcomes.
Organizers' Frustration and Financial Losses
Professor Mohammad Afsar Ali, one of the coordinators of the event, expressed deep frustration over the cancellation. He revealed that the organizers had invested approximately Rs 3 crore in preparations, including logistical arrangements and infrastructure setup. Ali further noted that the Taratua venue was selected in the presence of top government officials, and a no objection certificate had been obtained from relevant authorities for the Tablighi Jamaat event.
Waheed Khan, secretary of the Ijtema committee at Taratua, echoed these sentiments, stating that the community sustained huge losses due to the last-minute decision. Participants from across the state had already begun arriving, adding to the logistical challenges and financial burden faced by the organizers.
History of Venue Shifts and Administrative Hurdles
This is not the first time the Ijtema has faced administrative obstacles. Organizers claimed that they had been forced to shift the venue twice previously on similar grounds. Initially, the event was scheduled to take place at Neolpur near Chandikhol in Jajpur district from January 31 to February 2. It was then relocated to Benapanjri near Jatni in Khurda district before finally being set for Taratua.
The repeated changes and eventual cancellation highlight ongoing challenges in coordinating large-scale religious gatherings with local authorities, particularly concerning security and crowd control measures.
Lack of Official Comment
Despite repeated attempts to seek clarification, neither Khurda district collector Amrit Ruturaj nor superintendent of police Vivekanand Sharma was available for comment. This absence of official response has left many questions unanswered regarding the specific details of the police shortage and the broader implications for future events.
The cancellation of the Ijtema underscores the delicate balance between religious freedom and public safety, while also raising concerns about the administrative processes involved in approving and managing large gatherings in Odisha.
