Kolkata, 3 June (H.S.): In a gesture of religious harmony, the Indian Army has decided to reschedule its training activities to allow Eid-ul-Azha prayers to take place at Red Road in Kolkata, continuing a decades-old tradition in West Bengal’s capital.
Red Road, which lies adjacent to the Eastern Command Headquarters at Fort William — a highly sensitive military zone — has historically been the site of congregational Eid prayers, drawing lakhs of worshippers each year. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also expected to attend the event, which often becomes a platform for political messaging in addition to religious observance.
While the event has deep cultural and religious roots, it has also sparked debates. Earlier this year, certain Hindu organizations sought permission to hold religious events at the same site — requests that were denied by both the Army and the judiciary. Despite that, the Army has decided to honor the Eid prayer tradition by shifting its operational training activities elsewhere for the day.
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Army’s Gesture of Goodwill
A senior Army source confirmed that this decision is in line with the military’s ethos of respecting all religions. However, he emphasized that Red Road is a crucial strategic location used for national security operations. “Permission for Eid prayers has been granted keeping our tradition of secularism in mind. But it is important to remember that this area is central to ongoing security missions,” he said.
The Army is currently engaged in Operation Sindoor to counter threats from Pakistan, while also keeping a close watch on challenges in the Northeast arising from possible Chinese and Bangladeshi coordination. Under these high-alert conditions, uninterrupted training and military readiness are deemed critical.
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Security Must Take Priority
Experts have cautioned that allowing civilian gatherings at a strategic military zone can pose serious risks. In recent weeks, several suspicious drones were reportedly spotted over the Eastern Command Headquarters, raising red flags about surveillance and sabotage.
A senior defense analyst stressed that national security and military preparedness must take precedence over all other concerns. “Red Road and surrounding areas fall under defense jurisdiction and should primarily be used for military operations. Nevertheless, the Army has shown sensitivity by accommodating the Eid prayers this year,” he noted.
He also added that given the global context — particularly drone warfare as seen in the Ukraine-Russia conflict — every citizen has a moral responsibility to support military security measures. He urged the state government to identify alternative venues for large religious gatherings in the future.
The Eid prayers are organized annually by the Khilafat Committee, which has long been responsible for managing the event. The current head of the committee, West Bengal Minister Javed Ahmed Khan, confirmed that while there were initial concerns regarding Army permissions, the issue was amicably resolved through dialogue between organizers and defense officials.
This year’s development is being viewed as a balanced step — one that respects religious traditions while underscoring the importance of national security. The Army’s decision has been widely appreciated as a positive message of communal harmony and responsible governance.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
