Situation in West Bengal under control: State govt’s reply to Centre’s advisory on violence

Stating that there were a few "stray post-poll clashes" in West Bengal, the Mamata Banerjee government on Sunday claimed that situation in the state was "under control" in a letter to the Centre, which had issued an advisory earlier in the day after four people died in violence between workers of the Trinamool Congress and the BJP.

State chief secretary Malay Kumar De wrote that "firm and appropriate actions" were initiated in all cases of violence without any delay.

"There have been a few stray post-poll clashes in the state perpetrated by some anti-social elements, the law enforcement authorities have been taking firm and appropriate actions in all such cases without any delay," De wrote in the letter to the Union Home Ministry

"The situation is under control and it may not be construed under any circumstance to be a failure on the part of the law enforcement machinery of the State to maintain the rule of law and impure confidence among the people," the letter read.

Earlier in the day, the Centre expressed "deep concern" over continuing violence in the state, saying the "unabated violence" even after the Lok Sabha polls appears to be a failure on part of the state government.

In the advisory, the Home Ministry asked the state government to maintain law and order, peace and public tranquillity.

"The unabated violence over the past weeks appears 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," the advisory said.

The central government expressed "deep concern" over continuing violence in West Bengal even after the general elections, an MHA official said. It was "strongly advised" to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to maintain law and order, peace and public tranquility, the advisory said.

"It is also requested to take strict action against officials found delinquent in discharge of their duty," it said.

Earlier too, there have been reports of violence in which people lost lives in various parts of West Bengal, the official said, quoting the advisory. 

BJP calls for 12-hour bandh in Basirhat, to observe 'black day' in West Bengal today 

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday called for a 12-hour ‘bandh’ in West Bengal’s Basirhat and decided to observe a ‘black day’ in the entire state on Monday against the killing of two of its party workers on Saturday in post-poll clashes in North 24 Parganas district.

The BJP wanted to cremate the bodies of the workers who died the clash on the Basanti highway. Hundreds of workers gathered at the spot and preparations had started for a funeral pyre. But later, they decided to change their mind, announcing a series of protests, including a state-wide "Black Day".

The party will also hold a rally to Lalbazar, the police headquarters, on June 12. 

(With PTI inputs)