Army denies permission for Eid prayer on Red Road; Khilafat Committee dwells on relocation or legal route

Kolkata’s Red Road, officially known as Indira Gandhi Sarani, has been a traditional site for one of the largest public Eid-ul-Adha prayers in West Bengal. This year, the event faces uncertainty after the army refused permission to hold the prayer. A letter signed by a Colonel under the General Officer Commanding Vijay Durga stated that the area, from the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose statue to Vijay Durga’s East Gate, will remain under military use during Eid-ul-Adha, prohibiting any religious or public gatherings.

The Kolkata Khilafat Committee, which has organized Eid prayers on Red Road for over a century, has raised objections to the army’s decision. The committee noted that a similar restriction was imposed last year but was challenged in the High Court. The court ruled that the decades-old event, known for its peaceful and disciplined conduct, should not be stopped. The committee emphasized the historical significance of this gathering.

Javed Ahmad Khan, State Minister and president of the Kolkata Khilafat Committee, confirmed that the committee has received the army’s letter. He stated that a special meeting has been convened to discuss the next steps. The Khilafat Committee traces its roots to the Khilafat Movement of India’s independence era, initiated under leaders such as Maulana Mohammad Ali, Maulana Shaukat Ali, and Mahatma Gandhi.

The annual Eid prayer on Red Road attracts millions of participants and is regarded as a symbol of communal harmony and unity. The event is attended by many dignitaries, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The army’s refusal to grant permission has raised questions about the future location of the prayer and the possibility of pursuing legal action to secure the right to hold the event on Red Road.

The situation remains unresolved, with the Khilafat Committee exploring alternatives either to relocate the event or to seek judicial intervention. The army’s designation of Red Road as a military area during Eid reflects ongoing security considerations, while the community continues to assert the cultural and historical importance of the prayer gathering.