Authorities in West Bengal have deployed a massive security blanket across Murshidabad district, anticipating potential communal tension ahead of a controversial foundation-laying ceremony planned for Saturday. The event, organized by suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator Humayun Kabir, involves inaugurating a structure named "Babri Masjid" in Beldanga.
Court Directive and Security Deployment
The Calcutta High Court has stepped in, directing the state government to take all necessary measures to prevent any breakdown of law and order. A division bench led by Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, hearing a public interest petition, ordered the state to "strictly maintain" peace and ensure public safety.
In response, the administration has mobilized a formidable force. According to official submissions, the security arrangement includes:
- 19 companies of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) stationed in the area.
- Multiple units of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and local police deployed across Rejinagar and adjoining localities.
- Two companies of the Border Security Force (BSF) kept on standby to secure National Highway-12.
In total, more than 3,500 security personnel are expected to be on the ground to manage the situation.
Organizer's Claims and Political Fallout
The event's organizer, Humayun Kabir, was suspended by the TMC on Thursday and was questioned for several hours at Rejinagar police station on Friday evening. Despite this, he oversaw preparations, claiming the gathering would be a purely religious recitation.
Kabir told reporters that around 30,000 packets of biryani were being arranged for attendees and insisted the program would be peaceful and apolitical. "There will be no speeches, no party flags, no politics. The Quran will be read for two hours. This is not something new," he stated, asserting support from local clerical groups.
The Trinamool Congress has swiftly distanced itself from the event. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh labeled it a "conspiracy" by political rivals to malign the TMC's image in a crucial election year.
Local Apprehension and Official Appeals
As security patrols intensified around Beldanga, local residents expressed a mix of anxiety and curiosity about the Saturday event. One resident, Safiqul Islam from Uttar Barasat, was seen contributing bricks for the proposed structure, symbolizing the community involvement that has sparked concerns.
Authorities have made repeated appeals for calm, urging people not to circulate rumors and to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies. The day is seen as a significant test for the district's communal harmony.
With the high court's order in place and an unprecedented security deployment, all eyes are on Beldanga to see if the foundation ceremony passes without incident.
