Doesn't Centre think unrest needs to be quelled? Calcutta High Court

The Calcutta High Court yesterday sought to know if the Centre did not think the Darjeeling hills stir for a separate Gorkhaland needed to be quelled quickly, given the strategic location of the area

The student's wing of GJM protests for their demand of Gorkhaland in Mungpoo near Darjeeling. Pic/PTI

The Calcutta High Court yesterday sought to know if the Centre did not think the Darjeeling hills stir for a separate Gorkhaland needed to be quelled quickly, given the strategic location of the area.

"Given the geopolitical area in which it lies, doesn't the Centre think this agitation be quelled immediately?" asked acting Chief Justice Nishita Mhatre while hearing a plea for restoration of normalcy in the Darjeeling hills.

Expressing displeasure at the state and the Centre sparring over requirement of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in the restive Darjeeling hills, the bench observed, "The situation can improve only if both of you sit together and sort out the issues."

The court asked the Centre and the state government to reach a meaningful understanding over CAPF requirement before July 11, when the matter would be heard next.

Security forces march in WB
Police and paramilitary forces yesterday marched through the troubled areas of West Bengal's riot-hit North 24 Parganas district to quell violence, a senior official said. Although the state said the situation was under control in Baduria, Swarupnagar, Deganga and Basirhat areas, unofficial sources reported sporadic violence in some pockets on Thursday evening. The BJP, Left and Congress delegations were prevented from visiting riot-hit areas in Basirhat,
by police as the situation there remained tense.

23
No of days since the indefinite strike began

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!