The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) cadres held a protest towards the Uttarkanya Mini Secretariat in Siliguri on Friday, alleging corruption in the state and demanding employment. According to news agency ANI, police put up barricades to stop them and used water cannons, tear gas shells, and lathi charges to disperse them. Police also carried out a flag march in Siliguri.
In a video posted by news agency ANI, police officials could be seen putting up barricades to stop the protestors. The officials have also used water cannons and tear gas shells on the students protesting.
Speaking to news agency ANI, protester Ratna Choubey said, "The youth were taking out a peaceful march. We were present with them. The manner in which the Police resorted to a lathi charge. Male Police personnel beat up women protesters. Minakshi (of DYFI) was arrested. There was no violence from our end, it was all peaceful...The youth were protesting against unemployment. Police had information about this, but they were stopped. Corruption is a major issue in West Bengal."
She also said that the tea gardens are going to be closed and the labourers are not getting proper wages. She further added that corporates are taking control over it.
Meanwhile, Rakesh Singh, DCP of Siliguri Metropolitan Police, said that the situation is completely under control. It is peaceful now, and the regular movement of traffic will resume shortly, he mentioned.
Earlier, BJP workers in Kolkata staged a protest against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government on March 22, opposing a recently introduced bill that permits women to work in bars.