West Bengal rejects Centre’s offer to help state curb violence

Kolkata: The Mamata Banerjee government on Wednesday rejected the Centre’s offer to send to the paramilitary forces to restore normalcy at Raniganj in Burdwan West where violence broke out during the Ram Navami festival celebrations two days ago.

In a rare instance, the state government, however, barred governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to visit the area where prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC have been enforced across the industrial town while strong contingent of combat and rapid action forces have been conducting route marches.

Waking up to the Centre seeking a report on the violence it decided to send three senior IPS officers to the trouble-hit town to bring the situation under control. Internet services have been withdrawn by the district administration till March 30 in the areas under six police stations including Raniganj and Asansol.

On Wednesday parliamentary affairs minister Partha Chatterjee said, “The Central government has desired to send its paramilitary troops if the state government wants. It will be decided by chief minister Mamata Banerjee. We are capable enough to handle the present situation. We have handled difficult situations even in the past with our own force and we believe in our own force. Our perception is our administration and police are doing their best. We do not need anything more.”