MALDA, Nov. 25: The Lalgarh tribal agitation is showing signs of spilling over to other parts of the state as hundreds of tribals today took out a rally in Gazol town demanding basic amenities and protesting against police excesses.
Demonstrating in front of the Gazol rural hospital, the protesters, calling themselves ‘Citizens’ Forum’, demanded suspension of the doctor-in-charge. The tribals alleged that doctors’ negligence led to a child’s death last week. The CPI-ML (Liberation)-affiliated All India Students’ Association (AISA) backed the protesters.
The agitators were out with their traditional drums (dhamsa and madol) and expressed support towards the ongoing tribal movement at Lalgarh.
AISA Gazol block secretary Mr Emanuel Hembram said: “Police selectively detained tribals when they demanded publication of stock position of medicine in Gazol hospital.” The police detained three tribal youths, later released on personal requisition bond, when they were agitating in front of the hospital last week.
The agitators demanded the development of health and education for the tribals. “While many reserved seats are lying vacant in higher educational institutions, tribal students do not get the chance due to absence of caste certificates,” they alleged.
“Some tribals have grievances about various government services but there is definitely instigation from outside to unite for such a movement,” said Mr Sridhar Ghosh, the Malda district magistrate.
The administration has decided to transfer the doctor in charge of Gazol hospital after the furore. n SNS
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