Sandeshkhali Issue: Tension continues in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal and fresh protests have taken place in some areas. Meanwhile, on Saturday (February 24), a team comprising West Bengal Irrigation Minister Partha Bhowmik and Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose visited some distressed areas of Sandeshkhali, about 80 km southeast of Kolkata.
According to media reports, Mamata Banerjee’s ministers talked about finding solutions to people’s problems. He also said that the allegations made by the villagers against TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh are being confirmed.
We are confirming the allegations- Sujit Bose
According to HT report, Sujit Bose told the media, “There are some complaints among the villagers. Their lands were grabbed and converted into fish farms. We are verifying the allegations. We will look into their problem.
Partha Bhowmik and Sujit Bose visited some fish farms, which are said to have been earlier agricultural farms. It is alleged that TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his brother Sirajuddin along with their associates had captured him.
Where did the demonstrations take place?
Fresh protests started in Barmajur village on Saturday. Women armed with sticks and brooms raised slogans demanding the arrest of Shahjahan Sheikh, Sirajuddin and their associates. Protests took place in Halderpara and Majherpara areas of Barmajur.
Most of the women protesters had their faces covered with sarees or towels. They covered their faces to hide their identities so that associates of the accused could not target them and their families.
In Haldarpara, some protesters tried to attack local TMC leader Binay Sardar and his family. Although, Other villagers saved him. Demonstrations have been going on in Barmajur for the last three days.
TMC MLA Sukumar Mahata said this
Sandeshkhali TMC MLA Sukumar Mahata said,After the allegations against Sirajuddin came to light, he has already been expelled from the party. He has also agreed to return the land to the affected farmers.
Ministers tried to explain this to the villagers
Both the ministers visited the villages and talked to the women. He tried to explain why Shahjahan Sheikh has not been arrested yet, whereas Police have arrested his associates Uttam Sardar and Shibprasad Hazra.
Bhowmik said,Certainly Sardar and Hazra have done some illegal things. The party and the state administration have taken steps. TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has said that if the state government gets approval from the court, Shahjahan will be behind bars in just 10 days. If TMC can oust a senior leader like Partha Chatterjee, then such low-profile leaders will also not be spared.
BJP said attack
Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said, “Parth Bhowmik is well aware that his party may oust him but will not take action against leaders like Shahjahan, who ensured the party’s victory in Sandeshkhali. TMC is trying to extinguish the fire by sending ministers. People are no longer going to accept his false promises.
Let us inform that on January 5, a team of Enforcement Directorate officials was attacked by the mob when they were trying to raid the residence of TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh in Sandeshkhali. A large number of women in Sandeshkhali have accused Shahjahan Sheikh and his supporters of land grabbing and sexual harassment.