Kolkata on high alert for 'Nabanna Abhijan' protest march
Kolkata is on high alert on Tuesday as the city braces for the "Nabanno Abhijan" protest march. The demonstration, organized by an unregistered group identifying as a students' organization, is demanding justice for the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College on August 9. The group, known as Chatra Samaj, is also calling for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation over "government failures in citizen protection and justice delivery."
Police's political conspiracy concern
The Kolkata Police have expressed concerns about a potential "conspiracy" to exploit public anger and incite chaos in West Bengal. They claim to have evidence that an person involved in organizing the "Nabanno Abhijan" had met with a political party leader at a prominent five-star hotel. Separately, in response to the potential threat, Kolkata Police have deployed over 6,000 officers to maintain peace during the protest march.
26 DCPs stationed across city
A total of 19 locations have been identified for barricading and approximately 26 Deputy Commissioners of Police will be stationed at various points across the city. The government has also imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita around Nabanna, limiting gatherings of five or more people. Nabanna is a building located in the city of Howrah, within the Howrah district, that serves as the temporary State Secretariat for the Government of West Bengal.
TMC criticizes BJP over protest march
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party for supporting the "Nabanno Abhijan." The BJP responded by suggesting that CM Banerjee is resorting to police enforcement as her final defense. Notably, the protests will take place as thousands of students are set to take their exams across various centers in Kolkata on Tuesday.
Chatra Samaj assures non-violent protest
Kolkata Police have made special arrangements to ensure students appearing for UGC-NET exams can reach their examination centers without hindrance. Additionally, Chatra Samaj spokesperson Sayan Lahiri has assured that their democratic protest will not disrupt the UGC-NET candidates. He said "Our non-violent democratic protest will not affect the candidates. Since the exams will be held in two sessions, the candidates will hopefully not face any difficulty if they appear in the first session."
