Foundation stone-laying planned in Murshidabad’s Beldanga, security beefed up

Security has been beefed up in Murshidabad’s Beldanga area ahead of the foundation stone-laying of the a ‘Babri Masjid replica’, announced earlier by suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir. Kabir had said he will lay the foundation stone for a mosque on December 6 and his statement provoked controversy and forced his party to publicly distance itself.

A petition to stop the foundation ceremony was heard in the Calcutta High Court and the court declined to intervene and placed the onus of maintaining public order on the state government. The bench asked the state to make adequate security arrangements for Beldanga and surrounding areas.

Security has been beefed up in Rejinagar and Beldanga ahead of the ceremony. RAF contingents and police units have been stationed in the area, with personnel positioned at local schools before full deployment. Authorities say the measures aim to prevent any law-and-order breakdown.

TMC observes December 6 as “Samhati Diwas” (Unity Day)

The Trinamool Congress will mark December 6 as Samhati Diwas to push a message of communal harmony. The party has organised rallies and events across the state. This year the state government has also declared a holiday on the date. The Left Front will observe the day as a “Black Day” to remember the demolition.