Be vigilant of those trying to disturb communal harmony: CM

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged people to be alert and inform the police if they find anyone trying to spark riots.

Banerjee said: "You all have to be alert as some people are trying to pump in crores of rupees in different areas with an attempt to create riots. They will approach you as your friend. But you have to be alert and keep a close watch."

She urged the residents of the state not to give much importance to such people and instead to immediately inform the police in case they find anyone attempting to create disturbance in any area.

It may be mentioned that the state government has already taken steps in this regard and messages have been circulated through different mediums including television.

The Chief Minister said that communal harmony is the pride and tradition of Bengal. She urged the common people to be alert so that no one can affect the harmony and peace that prevail in the state. Banerjee was speaking at a programme organised by the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education department at Netaji Indoor Stadium on Tuesday.

It may be recalled that earlier, the Chief Minister had repeatedly criticised some people with vested interests, who were trying to destabilise communal peace and harmony in Bengal. She had urged people to become vigilant against such evil forces and also proposed to set up a peace force (Shanti Bahini) in every booth to keep an eye on those trying to attack the communal fabric of the society.

The state government had also conveyed the message of communal harmony in this year's Independence Day parade on Red Road. A tableau based on the theme Akotai Sampriti (unity is harmony) was a part of the parade where thousands of people had gathered to witness it.

Tableaus with similar messages had set out from Nabanna and went to different parts of the state to create awareness on communal harmony.