The BJP-sponsored 12-hour shutdown of Basirhat sub-division in North 24 Parganas district to protest the killing of its two workers at Sandeshkhali’ Nazat area on Saturday brought life to a standstill, while governor Kesari Nath Tripathi will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday.
Shops remained closed, vehicles went off the roads and the bandh protagonists squatted on the tracks blocking train services connecting Sealdah station.
Governor Tripahti, who airdashed to New Delhi on Sunday, is expected to call on Prime Minister Modi at around 12 PM on Monday.
Political analysts opined that the Governor is expected to apprise the Prime Minister of the prevailing law and order situation in the state, especially post-Lok Sabha result scenario.
The Union home ministry yesterday issued an advisory expressing “deep concern” over the continuing political violence in West Bengal even after the end of the Lok Sabha election. “ The unabated violence over the past weeks appear to be a failure on the part of the law enforcement machinery of the state to maintain the rule of law and inspire confidence among people, ” an informed source said quoting the advisory.
“It is strongly advised to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to maintain law and order, peace and public tranquility,” it added.
Bengal has been on boil since May 23, the day Lok Sabha election results were declared, as unabated violent incidents have claimed eight lives and injured scores.
The saffron brigade observing ” Black Day” across the state to protest the killing of its two supporters allegedly by the ruling TMC activists blocked the Sealdah-bound Hasnabad local train at Bhavla station after ensuring closure of all shops and business establishments in the sub-division. Vehicular traffic also stopped plying in the sub-division bordering Bangladesh.
The BJP supporters, however, assured that train services have been affected only for two hours considering the inconvenience to be caused to the daily commuters on the first day of the week. The BJP supporters put-up party flag in front of the engine of Hasnabad local and squatted on the track.
The bandh supporters blocked Basanti Highway at Kanmari More forcing hundreds of vehicles to park along the busy roads. Even police vehicles were also stopped on the highway.
The BJP is also observing “Black Day” across the state, a day after thousands of supporters attended the last rites of their two party activists in the locality after consulting with the bereaved family members.
The BJP wanted to take the bodies to Kolkata with procession but the administration with the help of combat police force stopped the procession at three places.
The BJP accused the TMC of misusing the government departments, including police, and in protest against which they are observing ”Black Day”.
The BJP has also decided to march towards Lalbazar, the Kolkata police headquarters, from Wellington Square on June 12. On Saturday during bloody clashes between the armed TMC and BJP, two BJP workers – Pradip Mondal and Sukanta Mondal were killed.
Another TMC supporter Kaym Mollah was also killed in violence in which random bombing and firearms were resorted to. Another BJP supporter Debdas Mondal has been missing since Saturday.
Newly elected Trinamool Congress MP Nusrat Jahan yesterday said, “ The matter is being taken care of… and things are under control… we all must appeal for peace now… it’s not a communal affair. ”
The actress requested for everybody’s cooperation and said, ”I request my friends from media to cooperate with us. Basirhat is a sensitive zone but we will make sure the people there are safe and that they don’t suffer. ”
Meanwhile, commenting on Tripathi’s meeting with Modi, TMC secretary general and education minister Partha Chatterjee said, “His days are over in Bengal. We are not giving much importance to his meeting with the Prime Minister. But still I would like to request him to tell the central government about the BJP’s atrocities and involvement in political killings in Bengal.” (UNI)
