West Bengal Govt texts Bhangar residents to keep calm

Kolkata: The state government tried to placate angry residents of Bhangar in South 24 Parganas on Friday, using an innovative method. A text message was sent to all cell phone users in the region assuring them that no power grid will come up there against their will.

The bulk message assured people at the outset that “West Bengal administration is with the people of Bhangar”. It then unambiguously says that no land will be forcefully acquired. “The project (power grid) will also be stopped if the people so desire,” the message added.

After reaffirming its known land police, the government also tried to wean away the villagers from the influence of the Maoists and anti-social elements which it believed had infiltrated Bhangar over the past few months.

“A few Maoists and goons are misguiding the people for their vested interests. They will leave after the turmoil, but you will have to live in the area in peace. Don’t believe any such false propaganda,” the messaged which was issued by WB govt in public interest, added.

The state government had been unnerved by the local people’s hostility to the police as well as the ruling party and its leaders. They have not allowed heavyweight TMC leaders like Mukul Roy or even local MLA Abdur Rezzak Mollah to enter Bhangar since Tuesday. Like the agitators of Nandigram, they kept bricks and logs on the road to prevent vehicles from entering their villages.

“ We are all Trinamul Congress supporters. We want the chief minister to come to Bhangar and personally announce that the power substation will be relocated,” a member of the resistance committee said. The government has paid Rs two lakh as compensation to the bereaved families of deceased youth Mofizul Ali Khan and Alamgir Mollah. The villagers now want a job for a member of each family.