Situation is grave in Hills, lacks democracy: NCW chief

Darjeeling: The Chairperson of the National Commission for Women has alleged that there is no democracy in Darjeeling and that people are being suppressed by the police and district administration.

She will be submitting a report of her findings and recommendations to the President of India, Union Home Minister and Chief Minister of West Bengal. She will also be summoning police top brass to her office.

Following a three-day long visit of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, National Commission for Women addressing media persons in Siliguri claimed that during and post 104-day bandh in Darjeeling, there has been rampant police atrocities on women.

"Women have been threatened, arrested, multiple cases clamped on them. Situation is grave in the Hills. There is no democracy," alleged Sharma.

She stated that she will be summoning police top brass of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

"I will summon the IG, SP Darjeeling and former SP Kalimpong who was recently transferred. They have to answer a lot of questions," retorted Sharma.

"We cannot act but we can recommend. The CM of West Bengal also is the Minister of the Home Department of West Bengal. She should visit Darjeeling and look into the matter," stated the Chairperson.

She stated that she had met 150 complainants in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Reacting to her statements West Bengal Tourism Minister Gautam Deb stated that it is politically motivated. The Chairperson had arrived in Darjeeling on April 15. She visited Kalimpong on April 17 and returned to Delhi on Wednesday.