'Drastic steps can be taken against dealers if strike is not called off'

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov. 13: Despite district magistrate Mr CR Das's earnest requests, the Malda modified dealers’ association has not called off the strike which had started from yesterday. Mr Das convened a meeting where he served them an ultimatum so that the public distribution system is not disrupted. While, speaking to the reporters today, he said: “We can take drastic steps against them any time if they do not call off the strike. We need to seek permission from the government.” The district magistrate also criticised the irregularities of the dealers detected by the officials after public outrage. Mr Das requested all party leaders, at a meeting on electoral roll today, to tackle the situation in order to control public outrage on the issue of the attacks on the dealers. The district secretary of Malda modified ration dealers’ association Mr Pramod Ghosh said they would hold a meeting with other dealers of the district on the issue. "We will take a final decision tomorrow in consultation with Mr Mihir Ghosh, the state president of our association,” he said. The district controller of food and supplies Mr NK Saha has sought police protection at his office tomorrow as a preventive measure against the deputation from Malda dealers’ association that will visit him. The association today informed the Mr Saha they would submit another deputation to him demanding safety and security for dealers of the district. They also criticised the system for suspending dealers on the basis of public complaint. Citing an example, dealers’ association secretary Mr Ghosh said: “A dealer was suspended at Noorpur in Manikchak on a false petition by the people. He was innocent." It may be noted that angry people (backed by the dealers) damaged the vehicles of food department officials at Noorpur a few days back. The district magistrate said: “Officials always inquire into public complaints with a senior government officials from the Block level.” The CPI-M district secretary Mr Jiban Moitra said: “The administration are doing nothing to sort out the present problem.”