Security has been significantly tightened in West Bengal's Murshidabad district ahead of a controversial plan to lay the foundation stone for a mosque, announced by suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Humayun Kabir for December 6. The proposed ceremony, which drew parallels to the Babri Masjid issue, has sparked tension and led to a legal petition seeking its stoppage.
Court Refuses Intervention, State Tasked with Security
The Calcutta High Court, hearing a petition to halt the foundation stone-laying ceremony, declined to intervene directly. Instead, the bench placed the responsibility of maintaining public order squarely on the state government. The court directed the authorities to make adequate security arrangements in the Beldanga area of Murshidabad and its surroundings to prevent any potential law-and-order breakdown.
Following the court's directive, a massive security blanket has been thrown over the region. Contingents of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and local police units have been deployed. Personnel were initially positioned at local schools before moving to their full deployment points. The administration states that these pre-emptive measures are aimed at ensuring peace and preventing any untoward incident.
TMC Distances Itself, Observes 'Samhati Diwas'
The announcement by the suspended MLA, Humayun Kabir, that he would lay the foundation for a "Babri Masjid" replica in Beldanga on December 6, provoked immediate controversy. The TMC leadership was quick to publicly distance the party from Kabir's provocative statement, suspending him and clarifying that his actions were not endorsed by the party.
In a contrasting move, the ruling Trinamool Congress has officially declared December 6 as "Samhati Diwas" or Unity Day, aiming to promote a message of communal harmony. The party has organized rallies and events across West Bengal to mark the day. Notably, the state government has also declared a public holiday on December 6 this year.
Political Reactions and Historical Context
The choice of date, December 6, is historically significant as it marks the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992. While the TMC pushes its 'Unity Day' narrative, the Left Front in West Bengal has announced it will observe the day as a "Black Day" in memory of the demolition.
The situation remains delicate in Murshidabad, with authorities on high alert. The court's decision to not ban the event but to emphasize robust security management has put the spotlight on the state government's ability to handle sensitive communal situations and maintain peace during a politically charged observance.
