CM for end to varsity violence - Mamata tells Raiganj University VC to ensure peace

Mamata arrives at the meeting in Dharampur on Tuesday. Picture by Nantu Dey 

TT, 29 December 2015, Goalpokhor: Mamata Banerjee today asked the vice-chancellor of Raiganj University to take strong action to put an end to frequent incidents of violence at the varsity so that students could study in a peaceful environment.

Alleged members of the Trinamul Chhatra Parishad were mostly in the dock in connection with the clashes at the university this year (see chart).

Speaking at a public meeting organised by the state government at Dharampur in North Dinajpur's Goalpokhor today, the chief minister said: "We often hear about violence in Raiganj University. In most of the times, minor incidents snowball into major ones. I would like to tell the vice-chancellor that such incidents should be handled strongly. Some people with political intentions try to instigate students to spark tension after minor incidents."

The VC, Anil Bhuimali, was on the dais.

Mamata went on: "We had also indulged in student politics while studying in colleges. Those days, minor problems used to crop up but we would always negotiate among ourselves (and find solutions). But here in Raiganj, people with vested interests create problems. Such attempts would not be tolerated. The authorities should see that students get a proper environment. Instead of politicising educational institutions, it is always better if students study in a peaceful and cordial environment."

Sources said the chief minister had made a pitch for action on the campus violence as there were many incidents of alleged firing, bursting of bombs and assault on students at the university this year. The situation became so worse that the North Dinajpur district police had to set up a temporary camp on the varsity premises.

"There has been no incident of violence since then but even today, there is an undercurrent of tension at the varsity. Students are always apprehensive about attacks and violence," said a university source.

In her speech, Mamata also said the state would provide food grains to seven crore people across the state at Rs 2 per kg from January 27. "The total population of Bengal is nine crore and we will provide food grains to seven crore of them. Each person will receive five kilos of rice or wheat at the rate of Rs 2 per kilo a month. This is one of the major steps taken by the state government. I have come to know from (Golam) Rabbani (the Congress MLA of Goalpokhor who has recently switched to Trinamul) that some people are spreading rumours that the state will not provide food grains at lower rate. I want to make it clear that people should not pay heed to such rumours and instead, wait till January 27," said the chief minister.

Dharampur is 65km from Raiganj.

Mamata later addressed another public meeting conducted by the government in Tapan block of South Dinajpur district. At both the events, she distributed bicycles among students and handed over benefits under various schemes to the needy.

The chief minister elaborated on various welfare schemes initiated by the state government and trained guns at the Centre over the payment of remunerations to workers at ICDS centres and ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers.

"The central government has stopped paying money for the two projects. But we are bearing the cost and have engaged thousands of ASHA workers and employees at the ICDS centres," she said in Tapan.

Mamata passed on a clear message to political rivals as well. "If somebody threatens us, we will respond. No one can make us bow down. Chomke amader matha noto kora jai na(no one can make us bow our heads through intimidation)," Mamata said.