In fear

Alipurduar, Feb. 10: Parents of Madhyamik candidates are worried that the tension in the Dooars resulting from clashes between pro and anti Gorkhaland supporters may affect the board exams.

The Avibhabok Mancho, a citizens’ forum, today faxed an appeal to the chief secretary to ensure the safety and security of the examinees.

A copy of the appeal has been sent to the secretary of the education department as well. The Madhyamik is slated to start from February 25.

Lari Bose, the secretary of the Mancho, said: “The situation is so tense in the Dooars that a slight problem can cause great harm to the students. We have requested the chief secretary to arrange for security.”

In the last three days, there were several flare-ups in Birpara, Binnaguri and Banarhat where Adivasis and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supporters had clashed. On Saturday, two persons were also killed. A large number of houses had been damaged.

Many guardians said the students were losing out on private coaching classes.

“We are, too, scared to allow our children to go for tuition without escorts. They are losing out on last minute help and advice from teachers,” said Sabita Roy, whose daughter is a Madhyamik examinee from Banarhat, a focal point of last week’s clashes.

About 150 students, mostly Adivasis of Birpara High School have demanded that their exam centre be changed. The students have to appear for their Madhyamik from Nepali High School. The protesting students surrounded Prasanto Naha, a member of the school managing committee, for three hours starting 12 noon today.

They withdrew the gherao after the headmaster assured them that he would be present at the centre on all exam days.