Siliguri, Jan. 18: The CPM will take out a rally from Bhaktinagar check-post to Salugara on January 20 to protest against “the atrocities committed by the Morcha,” Bengal urban development minister Asok Bhattacharya said today.
The minister visited Salugara and Fapri, which witnessed clashes between pro and anti-Gorkhaland people yesterday, along with Darjeeling district leaders of the DYFI.
After hearing the residents of two places, the minister said the supporters of the hill outfit were trying to break the unity of the local people by playing the communal card. “The Morcha president is trying to follow GNLF chief Subhash Ghisingh who used to whip up sectarian passions. But Ghisingh is nowhere to be seen now. The same fate will befall Gurung.”
When told by the people that police had not discharged their duties properly in Salugara and Fapri the day before, the minister said he would discuss the matter with high-level police officers. He urged the people not to get involved in any provocative activities and urged them to help government maintain peace and harmony in the region.