Security beefed up for cm’s Hill visit

SNS, Siliguri, 18 October: Leaving nothing to chance despite the situation on the law and order front in the Darjeeling Hills remaining far from alarming, police have made elaborate security arrangements for chief minister, Miss Mamata Banerjee’s forthcoming Hill visit. 

The security would be foolproof, particularly in Darjeeling town as the CM is scheduled to address a party convention at Chowrasta, the heart of the town, on 24 October. This would be her maiden political programme in the town, the hotbed of statehood movement, since she assumed charge as the chief minister in 2011. 

A senior police official said: “We do not expect any turmoil reminiscent of the pro-statehood demonstration in January this year as the GJMM is in a demoralised state. It seems they are not in position to stage any stir. However, we are ready for any eventuality. Nearly 10 companies of Central forces will also be deployed across the Hills to ensure peace,” he said. 

“Nothing had happened in Kalimpong when the CM addressed a Lepcha congregation there because of the security net we laid out. This time too nothing untoward would happen,” he added. 

He further said the CM might use political jargons while addressing the convention to be held at Chowrasta. 

However, the administrative officials have not yet received any official intimation regarding the itinerary of the chief minister.