Security has been significantly heightened in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district ahead of the proposed foundation laying of a mosque modelled on the demolished Babri Masjid. The event, planned by suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir, is scheduled for Saturday—an especially sensitive day marking the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992. Officials said that multiple layers of security have been deployed to ensure peace and order in the region, with central and state forces closely monitoring developments.
Heavy Deployment of Forces as Sensitive Anniversary Nears
Authorities have placed the Beldanga area, where the replica mosque is proposed, under a “high-security” zone. According to officials quoted by PTI, the police, Rapid Action Force (RAF), and Border Security Force (BSF) have been mobilised to maintain strict vigil. RAF personnel reached Rejinagar on Friday and were stationed at a local school before their deployment. Additional reinforcements were sent from Krishnanagar and Berhampore to bolster security arrangements.
Central forces conducted route marches throughout the day and were seen patrolling areas near the proposed construction site. Officials said this was necessary given the significance of the date and the potential for attempts to disturb communal harmony. The anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition has historically been observed under heightened security across various parts of the country due to its sensitive nature. A Ram temple now stands at the disputed site in Ayodhya following the Supreme Court’s verdict.
In view of the rising tension, West Bengal governor C.V. Ananda Bose appealed to citizens to remain calm. In a post shared by Lok Bhavan on X, the governor urged people not to be influenced by provocative remarks or rumours. He also asked the state government to take every necessary measure to ensure that law and order remain intact and that no disturbance occurs in any part of the state.
The governor has additionally directed the creation of an ‘Access Point Cell’ at Lok Bhavan, which will operate round-the-clock starting immediately. The cell will be headed by retired IAS officer S.K. Pattanayak and will serve as an operational control point to monitor sensitive situations and coordinate responses.
Humayun Kabir’s Event Under Scrutiny; HC Declines to Intervene
Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, who is organising the event, has assured the administration that his volunteers will be present and that the programme will be conducted peacefully. Kabir was seen personally overseeing stage preparations at Rejinagar. He submitted a formal request to the authorities for permission to hold the programme. However, officials said the administration has not granted approval yet, and the decision remains pending as security agencies assess the situation.
The Calcutta high court on Friday declined to intervene in the matter. Hearing a plea seeking a stay on the proposed ceremony, the court observed that the responsibility for maintaining law and order lies entirely with the state government. The petitioner had argued that the planned programme could disrupt communal harmony and urged the court to take immediate action against Kabir’s “provocative” statements. The bench, however, maintained that it would not interfere, stressing that the administration must act as per its assessment of the law-and-order situation.
Kabir, who has frequently been at the centre of controversy owing to his outspoken remarks on party and community matters, was suspended by the Trinamool Congress on Thursday. The party accused him of engaging in “communal politics,” prompting swift disciplinary action. Shortly after his suspension, Kabir announced that he would resign as MLA and launch his own political party later this month.
His call to construct a mosque resembling the Babri Masjid has generated significant attention, stirring strong responses from various quarters. While Kabir has insisted that the construction is a symbolic effort meant to reflect community sentiment, critics argue that the move could inflame religious tensions, particularly on a day of such historical sensitivity.
Administration on Alert as Tensions Simmer
Local authorities remain on high alert, monitoring movements in sensitive pockets of Murshidabad. Personnel from multiple security agencies are stationed at key locations, and drone surveillance may also be deployed if required, according to sources familiar with the security plan. Barricades have been set up on access routes, and random checking of vehicles is being carried out to prevent the entry of miscreants.
Officials said that maintaining peace is the top priority and that contingencies are in place to respond swiftly to any disturbance. Community leaders have been urged to counsel restraint among residents and avoid the spread of misinformation. WhatsApp groups and other social media channels are being monitored to prevent the circulation of inflammatory content.
As the proposed event remains without administrative clearance, the situation continues to evolve. Authorities are expected to review the security situation again on Saturday morning, with the possibility of additional measures depending on crowd presence and intelligence inputs.
While the final decision on the programme is awaited, officials reiterated that no activity would be allowed that could threaten communal harmony. The district administration has urged citizens to cooperate with security officials and to avoid gathering at the proposed venue unless officially permitted.
With the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition coinciding with the planned foundation ceremony, the administration is taking every step to prevent the region from becoming a flashpoint. The deployment of forces, governor’s appeal, and judicial stance have together set the tone for a cautious yet assertive handling of the situation.
