India denies permission for Eidul Adha prayers on Kolkata’s historic Red Road

The Indian Army has refused to grant permission for Eidul Adha prayers to be held on Kolkata's historic Red Road this year.

According to Indian media reports, the Army stated that the space is required for military purposes, and therefore Eidul Adha prayers will not be permitted at the site this year.

Each year, the Kolkata Khilafat Committee, which organizes Muslim congregational gatherings in the city, arranges Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha prayers on Red Road. The committee had submitted a request to the Indian Army for permission to hold this year’s Eidul Adha prayers as well.

However, West Bengal Minister Javed Ahmed Khan confirmed that the Army has sent a letter denying the request to use Red Road for the religious gathering.

Army officials have also formally notified Kolkata Police and the Kolkata Khilafat Committee of their decision.

Read more: Indian Muslims under Hindutva siege after Pahalgam incident

It is worth noting that the tradition of holding Eid prayers on Kolkata’s Red Road dates back several centuries.

Muslims in India are under Hindutva siege after the Pahalgam incident in occupied Kashmir, as a recent report revealed a sharp surge in hate speech incidents and attacks.

Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) shared a fact-finding report, showing a dramatic increase in anti-Muslim violence across India after April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

At least 184 hate incidents across 19 states, accusing right-wing groups of orchestrated aggression and highlighting systemic police inaction and government silence.

An average of more than 10 hate crimes occurred on daily basis, including 84 instances of hate speech, 39 physical assaults, 19 acts of vandalism, 12 attempted lynchings, and three murders.

The report states that these acts were not isolated or random, but followed “clear and repeated patterns” of targeted hostility against Muslim citizens.