Peace, political stability must for development in Hills: CM

Amitava Banerjee | MP | 23 October 2019 | Kurseong: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said during her address here on Wednesday that there has to be peace and political stability in the Hills for development. She further added that in order to accomplish the development as planned, it is essential to carry out regular assessments of the ongoing projects and work done previously.

Taking to her Twitter handle, Banerjee said: "In order to accomplish the development as planned, it is essential to carry out regular assessments of the ongoing projects and work done previously. Sharing glimpses from today's Administrative Review Meeting at Kurseong for the districts of Darjeeling & Kalimpong."

"I strongly believe that children are the best hope we have for a better tomorrow and I have always found special joy while talking to them. Their charming innocence has amazed me like always. Today, during my morning walk in Kurseong it was a delight to meet them," she stated.

Speaking at the administrative meeting, she maintained: "Before every election, a slogan is raised; there is sudden upheaval and everything is destroyed. Every now and then things are set ablaze. This is why Hills are suffering for ages." The address was held at the Kurseong Community Hall and was attended by the administrative and police top brass.

The Chief Minister stressed that such upheavals are not good for the Hills and that the place and the people are the ones who bear the brunt and suffer the most.

"It is very sad that sons of the soil like Amar Singh Rai do not make it and people from outside who spend a lot of money win all the support," said Banerjee, referring to the last Parliamentary election. She also stated that even the tourism boom in the Hills seems to have slowed down. "Foreign tourists plan long ahead. Owing to unrest if they have to cut their visit short or cancel, they usually don't return. Ultimately it is the place and the people of the place who are at a loss."

She further stated: "There are reports that people from outside are entering tea gardens and are trying to provoke unrest. The police have to remain vigilant and visit the tea gardens frequently."

She asked Rina Mitra, Principal Advisor, Internal Security, to keep a tab on the border areas and asked the police and administration to assist her.

Talking about tea gardens, Banerjee inquired if the workers had received the 20 percent bonus. She was told that they had received the first installment of the bonus, while the second one would be given by December.