High Alert in Murshidabad as Kabir Pushes Babri-Style Mosque Event

New Delhi, Dec 6 (IANS) — Security agencies are on high alert in Murshidabad as suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir proceeds with the foundation-laying ceremony for a Babri Masjid–styled mosque in the district.

Adding to the concerns of the intelligence agencies is the reported presence of two clerics from Saudi Arabia, along with religious leaders from several Indian states, who are expected to attend the event. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) is closely monitoring the situation, given Murshidabad’s reputation as one of West Bengal’s most communally sensitive regions.

Kabir’s decision to organise a ceremony styled after the Babri Masjid foundation has raised alarm, especially since the Ayodhya dispute—after decades of tension—had only recently settled following the Supreme Court verdict clearing the way for the Ram Mandir.

IB officials warn that efforts may be made to provoke unrest. With tensions also prevailing in neighbouring Bangladesh, there are fears that cross-border elements could launch disinformation campaigns or attempt to exploit the situation to radicalise local communities.

Despite the ongoing political war of words surrounding the event, intelligence officials stress the need for security forces to remain vigilant.

According to one official, “There are elements who will attempt to incite violence. Online propaganda aimed at radicalising youth must also be monitored continuously.”

A Volatile Location

Murshidabad has been a hotspot of communal tensions for years. Earlier this year, the district witnessed violent riots during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, in a report to the Union Home Ministry, raised concerns about the “twin spectre of radicalisation and militancy”, particularly in border districts like Murshidabad and Malda, where Hindus constitute a minority.

He noted that these districts share a porous international border with Bangladesh, making them vulnerable to infiltration and extremist mobilization.

Historical Intelligence Alerts

Intelligence agencies say Murshidabad has long been targeted by extremist networks. Both Jamaat-e-Islami and the ISI have been accused of pushing infiltrators into the region.

In 2018, agencies uncovered a dangerous plot to mobilize people and declare Murshidabad “free from West Bengal.” The operation, allegedly orchestrated by Jamaat-e-Islami on ISI instructions, was gaining alarming traction before being thwarted—preventing what officials describe as a “Kashmir-like situation.”

Officials say the long-term goal of these networks was to integrate Murshidabad with Bangladesh. Most terror modules handled by Bangladesh-based operatives reportedly use Murshidabad as an entry point into India before spreading to other parts of the country.

Heightened Vigilance for Kabir’s Event

Given this background, intelligence officials insist that Kabir’s event must be watched with utmost caution.

They warn that various groups may attempt to exploit the occasion to create unrest, spread fake narratives, or radicalise vulnerable populations.

With instability in Bangladesh adding further complexity, agencies expect attempts at cross-border propaganda as well.