Curfew on 2 July

Statesman News Service

MALDA, June 29: In order to avoid political clashes during panchayat board formation the Malda administration has decided to impose curfew (Section 144 CrPC) in all 15 panchayat samiti office premises on 2 July.The curfew will be continued since morning to the evening within 100 metre radius from all panchayat samiti office premises. On 2 July new elected members belonging to political parties will form new board. At least 10 people including media persons and policemen were injured in a clash between Congress and CPI-M workers over a controversy regarding formation of Kazigram Garm Panchayat in English Bazaar on 26 June. Tension still prevails at Kazigram on this issue. The Congress workers blocked state highways in various places through out yesterday in protest against police case registered against English Bazaar Congress MLA Mr KN Choudhury. Malda police have registered cases against nine persons including Mr KN Choudhury on charges of instigating violence, damaging government property and an attempt to murder. Eight people excluding the MLA have already been arrested. “Police may arrest Mr KN Choudhury”, said Mr Satyajit Bandyopadhyaya, the Malda SP. Yesterday, Mr KN Choudhury attended an all political party meeting (on the issue of land acquisition for the construction of express high in English Bazaar) convened by the district magistrate, where the Malda SP was also present.