Indo-Bamgladesh Border

IG-BSF visits border

Mr Nand Kishor, Inspector General, Border Security Force, North Bengal Frontier, today visited India-Bangladesh border areas under Sahebganj and Durga Nagar Border Outposts in Dinhata. The areas are under supervision of 181-Bn BSF. The IG-BSF also inaugurated a medical camp at Sahebganj village. It is to provide medical help to the poor and needy villagers living in border areas.

The IG-BSF met Gram Panchayat pradhans, GP members and eminent villagers. He also witnessed a demonstration of martial arts (Judo and Karate) that was staged by local boys and trained by Assistant Commandant Mr Jarnail Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Nand Kishor emphasised on the need to better relation between BSF and civil population of border areas. He assured the people that the BSF were there to help them in any contingency. He exhorted people to come out with their problems and assured that the BSF would try to sort them out. The IG-BSF desired that better working relation with civilians be developed and nurtured.

At the end of the programme, the IG-BSF distributed prizes to the locals who participated in the demonstration of martial arts skills.

NEW TOURIST SPOT

Minister's proposal under consideration

The state tourism department is considering promoting of a tourist spot cum picnic spot at Salbagan near Cooch Behar town. State tourism minister Mr Manabendra Mukherjee told reporters today at Cooch Behar Circuit House that forest minister Mr Ananta Roy extended a proposal to the effect and it was under consideration of the tourism department.

Mr Mukherjee, who is also the cottage and small-scale industries minister, said, he visited Kumargram, Tufanganj and Dinhata today and talked with weavers on the proposed handloom cluster. Finally, the scheme would be launched shortly to develop the existing situation of the handloom sector. The final phase of work for the handloom cluster is to be launched in Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling districts.

The minister also stated that a scheme is under process to develop the famous Shital Pati (cool mats) of Cooch Behar. It will develop the condition of the artisans and the industry.

Renovated Victor Palace on the West Bank of Sagardighi in Cooch Behar town is going to be inaugurated shortly and the beautification of the Sagardighi is going on in full swing, he added. 

INDO-BHUTAN FRIENDSHIP CAR RALLY

Toshniwal ranked third in the Indo-Bhutan car rally

The third prize (Rs 30,000) of the recently held 3-rd Indo-Bhutan Friendship Car Rally went to Cooch Behar's Vikash Toshniwal and Nirav Mehta. During the rally Toshniwal witnessed severe beatings but managed to survive till the end without any major breakdown. Toshniwal and Mehta won the fourth prize in last year's rally. This year, there were 34 participants (including 7 participants from Bhutan) in the 715-kilometre rally.

The rally was organised by the Friendship Car Rally Association. Bhutan India Friendship Association and India Bhutan Foundation promoted it. The eight-day Kolkata-Thimphu rally went through Siliguri, Phuentsholing and Gelephu. All top three prizes in the open category went to the Indian teams.

The first leg was from Siliguri to Phuentsholing (250-km), the second leg was from Phuentsholing to Gelephu (221-km) and the third leg was from Gelephu to Thimphu (244-km).

Foreign minister of Bhutan Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering and Indian ambassador to Bhutan Pavan K Varma awarded the prizes at the Clock Tower Square. It was followed by a concert by Five Dimensions, a Kolkata band.

Arindam Ghosh and Somdeb Chanda secured the first prize (Rs 75,000) and Soham Hazra and Amit Saha secured the second prize (Rs 50,000). Both were from Kolkata.

Some 200 people including 80 competitors, 100 officials and 20 back up service people participated in the JK Tyres sponsored rally. "It was very adventurous and a great experience", a participant said.

The Kuensel of Bhutan reports : In the prize distribution ceremony the Indian ambassador said, "The rally is symbolic of a much greater truth, the Indo-Bhutan friendship, which needs to be visually manifested." The chief organiser JP Majumdar said, "The rally was conceptualised to reach out to people and connect them to strengthen the friendship between the two countries."

TALK SHOW

Furore over speech of Chief Minister

Supporters of Cooch Behar District Youth Congress staged a demonstration in front of the office of the Superintendent of Police in Cooch Behar today. They demanded immediate initiation of inquiry following the complaint they had submitted on Sunday.

In the complaint the President of District Youth Congress Mr Avijit Dey Bhaumik alleged that the Chief Minister had delivered provocative speeches on Saturday in the public meeting organised by the Left Front.

Mr Dey Bhaumik told the PTI, "The SP failed to initiate the inquiry till today. On the otherhand he reportedly ordered inquiry against the police officer who received our complaint." "Today, during the demonstration we demanded the SP to ascertain the validity of the allegation made in the complaint. But keeping the issue aside he is trying to take action against the police officer", he said.

When contacted, the Special IGP (North Bengal), Mr DT Lepcha, assured that he would look into the matter.

Meanwhile, Trinamul Congress too came out against the 'provocative speeches' delivered by the Chief Minister. District Trinamul Congress vice-president Mr Niranjan Dutta said, yesterday they demonstrated at the district police office against the CM's speeches and the alleged initiation of inquiry against a police sub-inspector. "We will continue our movement for the rest of the month demanding withdrawal of any action against the police officer who did his duty only", Mr Dutta said.

Mentionworthy, District Youth Congress President Mr Avijit Dey Bhaumik had submitted a complaint on Saturday at Kotowali police station and the duty officer Mr Swapan Deb received it. Yesterday, replying questions from media persons the SP, Mr Kalyan Bandyopadhyay had said that the sub-inspector took the complaint against the Chief Minister without making any discussion with any higher official. He asked the DSP (Sadar) to inquire into the matter why the duty officer did it, the SP added.  

It may be recalled here that on Saturday the Chief Minister warned the Trinamul Congress and other opponents that the Left Front activists would not tolerate the atrocities and evil designs to damage the peace of the state. Winning a few seats in the Lok Sabha they are now trying to grab all things including Left party offices. They simply turned insane. Are they testing the patience of the Left Front workers, he questioned. He also asked the 'trouble-mongers' not to follow the dangerous path because the leftists will not tolerate it forever. They should not invite their danger because the leftist workers are now to see things to distract them from doing the offences, he added. 

LEFT FRONT MEETING

Chief Minister at Cooch Behar

West Bengal chief minister Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee warned the Trinamul Congress that the Left Front activists will not tolerate the atrocities and evil designs to damage the peace of the state.

"Winning a few seats in the Lok Sabha they are now trying to grab all things including our party offices. They simply turned insane", he said. "Are you testing the patience of the Left Front workers?" he questioned.

He asked the Trinamul Congress not to follow the dangerous path because the leftists will not tolerate it forever. "You should not invite your danger because the leftist workers are now to see things to distract you from doing the offences? He added.

The chief minister was addressing a mammoth gathering organised by the Cooch Behar District Left Front at Raas Mela Maidan in Cooch Behar on Saturday afternoon.

Referring the state of affairs of the Chhitmahals (enclaves) of India and Bangladesh Mr Bhattacharjee said the Centre is not trying to sit across the table over the issue with Bangladesh. The residents of the Chitmahals are suffering for a long as they have no rights as citizens and they even do not know in which country they belong to. The present Bangladesh government under Sheikh Hasina is friendly with us. This is the proper time the Centre to start dialogue with the Bangladeh government to draw and end to the Chhitmahal problems.

In his address the chief minister made it clear that they are not in a mood to accept any more division of West Bengal. The proponents of Kamtapur and Greater Cooch Behar are trying to disturb the peace. "I asked the district magistrate to talk with them. Formation of a small separate state is not the way to achieve prosperity", he said. He appealed the proponents of separate states to get back from the secessionist path. "Unemployment and other problems are not the Rajbonshis' own problems, these are problems of all people and so we must proceed jointly", he said.  

During his address the chief minister picked up issues like price hike of essential commodities and BT Brinjal and passed the blame on the Centre.

He asked the women to form more Self Help Groups to achieve economic freedom. There are 9.26-lakh SHGs in the state and the number of women members is 80-lakh, he said.

JALPAIGURI NEWS

Separate district demand

The proponents of a new district to be curving out of Jalpaiguri district, the Alipurduar Jela Nirman Dabi Mancha (AJNDM) appealed to the chief minister to meet them any day during his ongoing North Bengal tour that began on Friday. The convenor of the AJNDM Mr Nirmal Das, also an MLA from Alipurduar, said, they wrote a letter to the chief minister requesting him to talk with them during his North Bengal tour to discuss the longstanding proposal of making a new district. Mr Das hoped that the CM might invite them to talk over the issue before 14 February. Mentionworthy, Alipurduar MP and a former minister Mr Manohar Tirkey is the president of the AJNDM. The AJNDM is struggling for a long to get Alipurduar sub-division of Jalpaiguri district as a separate district as it is very far from the Jalpaiguri district headquarters.

Strike in Jalpaiguri district

RSP dominated United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) claimed that about 35,000 workers from different unorganised sectors observed a daylong strike in Jalpaiguri district on Friday. The strike was called by North Bengal Construction Workers' Union.

Jalpaiguri district TUCC secretary and Alipurduar MLA, Mr Nirmal Das said the state government should not encourage the contractual system in any sector. This system is damaging the interests of government employees especially in departments like PHE and Health. "Today's strike should be an eye-opener otherwise we shall be compelled to initiate a greater movement demanding abolishment of contractual appointment system in government departments," Mr Das said.

FLOWER POWER

Flower show starts in Cooch Behar

State forest minister Mr Ananta Roy inaugurated the 28-th annual competitive exhibition of Flowers, Fruits, Vegetables and Medicinal Plants at Narendra Narayan Park in Cooch Behar on Thursday. Sabhadhipati of Cooch Behar Zilla Parishad Mr Dilip Biswas and senior forest officials attended the programme. A brief cultural programme was also held on the occasion.

Successful competitors have been awarded in each category. The exhibition will go on till Saturday.

COMPUTER FAIR

IT Fair starts in Cooch Behar

State forest minister Mr Ananta Roy inaugurated the fourth IT Fair at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Cooch Behar on Thursday. The Registrar of North Bengal University Dr DK Sarkar was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony. Cooch Behar District Computer Dealers' Association is the organiser of the four-day fair. The fair will be kept open for visitors from 12-noon to 8 p.m. daily. There are 39 stalls in the fair.

In their addresses at the inaugural ceremony, Mr Roy and Dr Sarkar highlighted the role of computers and latest electronic technologies.

President and secretary of Cooch Behar District Computer Dealers' Association Mr Binod Sharma and Biswajit Saha said not only computers but also many computer-related accessories and cell phones are to be displayed at the fair. Students interested in IT education would be able to get specialised guidance to learn computer education offered by different institutions.

Lenevo, Intex, Acer, Microsoft, Supercomp, Quick Heal, HP, CPM Powercom and some other organisations have participated in the fair, said Bijay Deb of Creative Ads, a sponsor of the fair.

FAR AWAY BRIDGE

Bridge over Kaljani river

The Kaljani Nadi Setu Sangram Samity organised a seminar at Deocharai CADC Maidan in Tufanganj on Sunday afternoon to thank the state government for calling a tender to construct the much awaited bridge over Kaljani river that is to connect Deocharai with Balarampur. The estimated cost to erect the bridge is Rs 33,32,13,000.00. State Public Works Department minister Mr Kshiti Goswami had laid the foundation of the bridge on 5 August 2007.

Secretary of the Kaljani Setu Sangram Samity and also an MLA from Natabari Assembly constituency, Mr Tamser Ali said the state government called the tender on 16 December 2009. The proposed bridge is expected to come up within three years, he hoped. The tenders will be opened on 16 February 2010. The total estimated cost of the bridge including approach roads is about Rs 50-crore, he said. More than five-lakh people of Balarampur, Deocharai, Nakkatigachh, Dewanhat, Jiranpur, Panisala, Burirhat, Putimari, Nazirhat and Salmara are to be benefited by the proposed bridge, he claimed. He also claimed that the bridge is going to be translated into reality following a longstanding struggle of the local people.

State Forest minister Mr Ananta Roy, Cooch Behar Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Mr Dilip Biswas, Cooch Behar MP (Lok Sabha) Mr Nripendra Nath Roy and Cooch Behar District Left Front convener Mr Chandi Pal too spoke on the occasion.

Brahmo Mandir

Keshab Chandra Sen remembered

Heritage Society of Cooch Behar organised a programme to celebrate Maghotsav at the Bhahmo Mandir in Cooch Behar on Sunday. A symposium was also held there on the historic relation between Brahmananda Keshab Chandra Sen and Ramkrishna Paramhansa and the influence of Brahmo sect of religion during the regime of Maharajas of Cooch Behar.

A senior monk (Swamiji) from Ramkrishna Mission of Cooch Behar discussed the relation of Keshab Chandra Sen and Ramkrishna. Dr Ananda Gopal Ghosh of North Bengal University simply charmed the audience by his lecture on Keshab Chandra Sen who married off his elder daughter Sunity Devi with the then king of Cooch Behar, Maharaja Nripendra Narayan.

President of the Heritage Society of Cooch Behar, Mr Dipen Chanda delivered the welcome address. Mrs Debjani Guha and her associates presented a number of devotional songs of Tagore (Brahmo sangeet of Rabindranath Tagore). 

FORWARD BLOC

Forward Bloc's observance of "Pancha Shaheed Divas" at Dinhata in Cooch Behar on Friday.

FORWARD BLOC

Forward Bloc observed Martyrs Day in Dinhata

Vehicular traffic has been disrupted in Dinhata on Friday noon for about two hours following a programme organised by the Forward Bloc to observe Martyrs' Day on the main road in the town. The party organised a huge gathering today on Dinhata-Cooch Behar road to remember the five supporters who were killed in police firing on this day in 2008.

The five Forward Bloc men had to die during a law violation programme and probably so the party held the second anniversary, as they did last year to observe the first anniversary of the firing incident ignoring the law. They held the gathering on road in front of the SDO office in Dinhata.

General secretary of the All India Forward Bloc, Mr Debabrata Biswas, Cooch Behar MP (Lok Sabha) Mr Nripendra Nath Roy, Mr Akshay Thakur (MLA) and the party's Cooch Behar district unit secretary Mr Udayan Guha addressed the gathering.

Mr Guha said, "We promised the people that Left Front government would never suppress any democratic movement with bullets but the irony is that we became the victim. We like to alert the government not to repeat similar things in future."