Foundations of Faith: Kabir's Babri Masjid Ceremony Under Tight Security

Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir is set to lay the Babri Masjid foundation stone in Beldanga amid tight security. The ceremony, receiving heightened administrative attention, follows a Calcutta High Court directive ensuring peace. Local residents participate actively as central and state forces maintain law and order.

Suspended Trinamool Congress MLA, Humayun Kabir, is expected to lay the foundation stone for the Babri Masjid in Beldanga on Saturday. The event has drawn significant administrative focus and led to extensive security arrangements in Murshidabad district.

Police personnel convened at the Beldanga Police Station early Saturday and were stationed throughout surrounding regions to uphold law and order. Large contingents of local and state-level police were deployed to avert any disruptions. Kabir, departing his Murshidabad residence amid substantial security, assured that preparations for the ceremony were progressing without issue.

Kabir informed ANI that the ceremony would proceed according to plan and highlighted the support of the police in maintaining security, a measure mandated by the Calcutta High Court's recent order. The Calcutta High Court had issued guidance on Friday regarding the situation in Murshidabad, prompting an increased presence of security officials in the Beldanga area.

Kabir expressed his appreciation to officials for their cooperation and confirmed that the Quran reading would begin at noon, followed by the foundation stone laying. Visuals captured on Saturday morning depicted residents actively preparing for the ceremony, with individuals such as Md Safiqul Islam of Uttar Barasat contributing by carrying bricks to the site.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court refrained from intervening in the case against the foundation ceremony, assigning the responsibility of preserving peace to the state. The state government affirmed that sufficient forces were stationed to manage law and order, working in tandem with central forces that provided 19 companies to the effort. Kabir lauded this outcome as a "befitting reply" to petitioners challenging his initiative.

The TMC recently suspended Kabir after his declaration of intent to inaugurate the Babri Masjid on December 6. Despite the controversies, Kabir persists in his efforts, bolstered by the legal backing and extensive security afforded to ensure a peaceful event.

(With inputs from agencies.)