DARJEELING, : The Darjeeling Municipality
has denied permission for Darjeeling Dooars Chia ShramikSurakshaSamiti (DDCSSS)
to hold a two-day dharna at Chowrasta starting Saturday, citing concerns over
the upcoming higher secondary examinations which commence on March 3.
Despite the denial, the DDCSSS
has announced that it will proceed with the protest to highlight various
demands related to the tea garden industry.
Darjeeling Municipality
chairman DipenThakuri stated, “They have the right to hold dharna regarding tea
garden issues, but we are not giving permission for Chowrasta as the higher
secondary examination is starting. I spoke with our ward councillors, and they also
believe that a dharna means an issue of law and order and it is a
policesubject. They maintain that it could create a disturbance for
thestudents. I also feel that the students should not be disturbed.”
Thakuri added that he had requested
the DDCSSS to consider rescheduling the dharna. However, the organization, in a
press conference on Thursday, asserted that it would go ahead with the program
regardless of municipal approval. The protest is scheduled to begin at 11 am on
Saturday and continue until Sunday.
When asked about the DDCSSS’s
insistence on holding the dharna, Thakuri responded, “If they proceed despite
our decision, it is their choice and I have nothing to say on it but request
them to maintain peace in the hills.Chowrasta falls under the Municipality, but
law and order are the police’s responsibility. If the police grant permission,
then I may also reconsider the use of the venue.”
While reiterating his personal
support for tea garden workers, Thakuri maintained that permission could not be
granted at this time.
The DDCSSS is protesting
against several State government policies, including the decision to allow 30%
of tea garden land to be repurposed, the allocation of only five decimal land
to tea workers under parjapatta, the demandfor a 20% Puja bonus and the
implementation of minimum wages.
