KPP denied nod for cycle rally in north

Siliguri, Sept. 19: The Jalpaiguri divisional administration has denied permission to the Kamtapur People’s Party to take out a cycle rally from Farakka to Sankosh from Saturday, citing the model code of conduct in force for the coming civic polls and repair of roads. 

The KPP said it would observe a “black day” across north Bengal on Monday to protest the denial of permission for the rally. 

“Elections to several municipalities in north Bengal are scheduled for Saturday and the model code of conduct is in force in those civic towns. 

Besides, many roads are being repaired across the region. Considering these things, the administration has decided not to let the KPP organise the cycle rally,” said R.D. Meena, the divisional commissioner of Jalpaiguri. 

The KPP president, Atul Roy, today said the organisation was planning to start the cycle rally from Farakka in Murshidabad district on Saturday and it was to have ended at Sankosh on September 28. 

“We applied to the divisional commissioner of Jalpaiguri on September 16 for permission for the cycle rally that would cover six districts. The rally has been planned to demand the formation of the separate state of Kamtapur and the recognition of the Kamtapuri language,” said Roy. “But this morning, we received a letter, stating that we wouldn’t be allowed to hold the rally because of administrative reasons. This is another instance of the state government’s oppression of the KPP and minister Gautam Deb is responsible for this.” 

Roy said the KPP would observe a “black day” across north Bengal on Monday to protest the government’s decision. “The KPP’s central committee will meet at Dhupguri on Sunday to decide on the future course of action,” he added.