Rumours cast shadow on Buddhajayanti celebrations

Amitava Banerjee | MP | 17 May 2019 | Darjeeling: Rumours have cast a shadow on Buddhajayanti commemorations in the Hills. 

An intelligence alert sent to the army got leaked and is doing the rounds in social media. The near viral messages claim that female suicide bombers were planning an attack. Picture of a girl were also circulated sparking panic. 

"Rumours are being spun based on the general alert that usually come during festivals from IB headquarters and sent to security and intelligence agencies.

"It is being spread in social media that bombers from Nepal and Bangladesh are going to bomb monasteries in Darjeeling. 

There are no such specific reports. However, from the day the input was received we have been conducting checks on home-stays and hotels. We are keeping a close watch," stated Amarnath K, Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling. 

The police have made all necessary arrangements. Extra force will be deployed. Anti sabotage measures will be in place in all important monasteries and in the procession. 

"There is no need to panic. We appeal that we should commemorate Buddhajayanti like the past years," added the SP. The police have appealed to all to abstain from forwarding messages on social messages without verifying.