PHILATELY

Order to beef up security and check parcels in post offices 

COOCH BEHAR, Nov. 29: Director of Postal Services, North Bengal and Sikkim Region, Mr Sanjiv Ranjan inaugurated the first permanent pictorial cancellation centre of North Bengal at the Head Post Office in Cooch Behar today. It is the third such facility in West Bengal Postal Circle. The other two are situated at General Post Office in Kolkata and Cellular Jail in Andaman.

 

Replying a question Mr Sanjiv Ranjan said considering the recent spurt of terrorist and subversive activities the security measures in all head post offices were being beefed up. Armed guards are also being deployed. Instructions were issued to start checking of motorbikes and luggage of all visitors who come to post offices. The postmasters and other postal officials were asked to check contents of parcels prior to booking for despatch, he added.  

 

Unveiling the special pictorial album containing the picture of Cooch Behar Palace, Mr Sanjiv Ranjan said those interested in philately could get pictorial cancellation from these centre from now on. It may attract tourists too, he hoped. He presented the special album to a renowned philatelist Mr Nirmalendu Chakraborty and others. Cooch Behar ADM Mr KK Lohar and deputy director of Archeological Survey of India Dr S Ahmed too spoke explaining the importance of the newly launched centre.

 

An exhibition of rare postal stamps, first day covers and rare coins and currency notes was also held on the occasion at the Head Post Office. []