TMC leaders take out silent rallies across Bengal to express solidarity with jawans

Kolkata: Following Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's direction, her party leaders on Sunday organised silent rallies at each block as well as the city, showing solidarity with family members of the Pulwama martyrs.

Senior Trinamool Congress leaders from various parts of the state took out silent rallies condemning the deadly attack in Pulwama that took place on February 14. Apart from party leaders, many local people also participated in the rally. Senior Trinamool Congress leader and state minister Suvendu Adhikari led a candle light march in Haldia that had seen a huge response from the local residents.

A similar rally was also organised at ward 72 under Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), where senior TMC leader Sandip Bakshi participated along with others. They marched down the city's streets, sending across the message of solidarity with the family members of the slain CRPF jawans. TMC leader Arup Roy also arranged a silent rally in Howrah.

It may be mentioned that Trinamool Congress Supremo Mamata Banerjee had participated in a candle light march in the city on Saturday afternoon, showing solidarity with the CRPF personnel who were killed in the horrific tragedy. The rally started from Hazra More and ended at Gandhi statue. During the rally on Saturday, Banerjee said: "When the country is in crisis, it is our duty to stand together with the citizens. The whole India is united. Unity is our strength." During the programme, she announced the silent rallies in the block level. Meanwhile, Vardaan Market, in association with Metro Plaza and Emami Market, also organised a condolence march to pay homage to the brave martyrs who made supreme sacrifice. More than 2,000 people, including members from Vardaan Market, Metro Plaza and Emami Market, were present in the march on Sunday that started from Vardaan Market at Camac Street.

Syed Akbar Hossain, general secretary, Vardaan Shop Owner's Association, said: "The rally was organised to mark the protest against the attack on our armed forces in Pulwama. This is a request to our government to take appropriate action against the perpetrators for this heinous crime. We demand justice."

In another incident, some local residents from Ashokenagar in North 24-Parganas put up a rail block at Ashokenagar railway station for nearly half an hour, demanding strong action against those who were involved in the ghastly attack. They also shouted slogans against Pakistan. Train service was resumed after the locals lifted the protest demonstration.