Politics of violence will not be tolerated, asserts Mamata

Without naming the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) and its violent agitation in the hills, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday made it clear that 'meetings and rallies can be held in a democratic manner and without promoting violence'.

Before leaving for Netherlands on Monday, Banerjee at Calcutta airport urged the residents of the hills to maintain peace and also added that the politics of violence would not be tolerated.

"Violence cannot be a solution to any problem and we will not tolerate it in hills. Issues can be settled through talks. Some people were playing with fire and some have been threatened to leave the hills," said Banerjee.

Ahead of her trip, Banerjee on Monday said she had appointed some of her cabinet colleagues to monitor the situation during her tour to Netherlands where she will be addressing the Public Service Day of the United Nations on June 22 at Hague.

It may be mentioned that the Chief Minister called an all-party meeting in Siliguri on June 22 to discuss the unrest in Darjeeling, which she would skip due to her pre-scheduled engagement at the UN.

Also, she would hold meetings with various chambers of commerce there. Senior officials will be present at the programme. The GJM had, however, on Saturday ruled out any discussion with the Bengal government.

"It will be a three-day programme in Netherlands. (21-23 June). It is our pride as we have been requested to attend the programme and speak on Bengal's developmental projects in the United Nations."

"It is a public awareness function where we would showcase Bengal's various projects and try to get recognition for our performance from the UN" Banerjee said.

Speaking on Swami Atmasthananda Maharaj, she stated that she had a long association with him. She had even visited him at the hospital on Sunday when he was in a critical state. Before leaving the city, the Chief Minister also deputed some senior ministers to oversee the last rites of the religious leader.