West Bengal’s Murshidabad district is on high alert as suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir prepares to lay the foundation stone for a proposed Babri Masjid in Beldanga on Saturday. Since morning, his supporters were seen marching toward the site carrying bricks on their heads, signalling the start of the event.
The situation is tense, with the administration enforcing strict security measures. The Calcutta High Court, on Friday, refused to halt the ceremony, stating that maintaining peace and order during the event is the responsibility of the state government.
Following the court directive, the state deployed an extensive security force:
- 19 teams of Central Armed Police Forces,
- RAF (Rapid Action Force),
- BSF personnel,
- Multiple units of local police,
bringing total deployment to over 3,000 personnel in and around the areas under Beldanga and Raninagar police stations.
Humayun Kabir, who was suspended by the TMC on 4 December, had announced on 25 November that he would lay the foundation stone on 6 December, marking 33 years since the demolition of the disputed structure in Ayodhya.
Administration officials held a meeting with Kabir’s team on Friday to ensure the event follows all government guidelines. Kabir confirmed that the program would proceed on Saturday under “strict administrative protocols.”
He also revealed several details of the event:
- Religious leaders from Saudi Arabia are scheduled to attend.
- The venue spans 25 bighas.
- A 150 ft × 80 ft stage has been constructed.
- Seating arrangements for over 400 invitees.
- Organisers expect a crowd of more than 3 lakh people.
The location is close to NH-12, prompting authorities to implement special traffic-control measures to prevent congestion.