Is Darjeeling smiling? Yes, says CM

SNS, Alipurduar, 25 June 2014: Two sisters will jointly work for two districts -- Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar -- chief minister Mamata Banerjee said as she introduced the new magistrate of the new Alipurduar district, Alice Vaz. “The district magistrate of Jalpaiguri (Pritha Sarkar) is a woman, and the DM for Alipurduar is a woman too. They are two sisters and will jointly develop the two districts,” she said.

“I have appointed Anup Jaiswal as the new superintendent of police for this district. He will make arrangements for policing gradually.”

The CM stressed on the communication system in Alipurduar and promised that a helicopter service would be introduced here. She also pointed out that during her tenure, the railway network was developed, connecting even Assam from this region.

“I would request the railway authorities to implement the projects introduced during my tenure. A total of 15 lakh people live here and employment will be generated through cottage and small industries. A total of 70 tea estates are functioning here and tea, tourism, forest tourism and eco tourism can bring in development.

The CM did not forget to mention that Darjeeling Hills was “smiling” after the official announcement of the separate district, and urged the people to maintain peace here.

“I will be happy if Alipurduar smiles, Jalpaiguri smiles, Darjeeling smiles, Siliguri smiles and Dooars smiles. She pointed out the plight of several ethnic groups like Rava Mech and Toto in the Adivasi dominated district. “Primitive tribes, the Toto community, is gradually diminishing. To help them survive, we have given them service and provided rice at low cost,” the CM claimed.

The CM today received a phone call from foreign minister Sushma Swaraj when she was at Mendabari. Sources said Ms Swaraj discussed “some important north Bengal issues” with her, like the Teesta Water Treaty and exchange of enclaves in Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri between India and Bangladesh.

The CM left for Mongpong from Alipurduar and stopped her car en route for a tea break for security staff.