July 21 TMC Martyrs’ Day: Schools To Remain Shut In Kolkata. These Areas Have Traffic Restrictions In Place

On July  21 every year, TMC pays tribute to 13 people who were killed  in police firing during a rally organised in Kolkata by the West Bengal Youth Congress, which was then headed by Mamata Banerjee.

Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress is all set to observe its annual Martyrs’ Day function on July  21, which is being organised after a pandemic break of two years. The Kolkata Police claims to have made the required arrangements for traffic regulation on Thursday, which may affect normal life in the city. 

On this day every year, the Trinamool Congress pays tribute to 13 people who were killed  in police firing during a rally organised in Kolkata by the West Bengal Youth Congress, which was then led by current chief minister Mamata Banerjee. 

Many schools, including St. James’  School, Don Bosco Park Circus, Calcutta Girls’ High School, Assembly of God Church,  Mahadevi Birla World Academy, Gokhale Memorial Girls School, Sushila Birla Girls School, Delhi Public School Ruby Park, The Heritage School and Garden High School, among others, have announced a holiday on Thursday, according to local media reports. 

The school authorities notified that the decision to keep schools closed has been taken keeping in mind the situation on the roads as there is a high probability of  traffic congestion.

Taking to social media handles, the Kolkata Traffic Police Department posted a notification that says movement of all types of goods vehicles will be restricted within the city limits under the Kolkata Police’s jurisdiction between 3 am and 8 pm. No vehicle will be permitted to be parked around the Victoria Memorial Hall, the stretch of AJC Bose Road between Hastings Crossing and Cathedral Road, Hospital Road, Queensway, Cathedral Road, Casuarina Avenue and Lovers Lane. 

From 4 am Wednesday till 8 pm Thursday, no goods and transports like trucks and matador vehicles will be permitted to enter the city. More than 40 police pickets have been set up around the city at different locations. 

A report in The Telegraph said several roads in the city will be declared one-way on July 21, while many roads around Esplanade will stay closed. “There’s no specific instruction on parking on these roads, but traffic movement will be restricted on the streets from where participants of the rally will go to the (main event) venue. The restrictions will be placed from 4 am on July 21,” an officer was quoted as saying in the report. 

Meanwhile, DC Traffic (Kolkata) Sunil Kumar Yadav has requested the public to follow the traffic rules, and said traffic flow will remain smooth and hassle-free if commuters maintain the rules. 

Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal Tuesday checked the security arrangements at the rally venue. A large police group will remain present in and around the venue, with officers in civvies from the special branch of Kolkata Police will keep an eye on the public near the meeting venue, media reports quoted him as saying. 

The Rapid Action Force and the Special Action Squad will be deployed too. 

Taking to Twitter, the Trinamool Congress posted: “The spirit is high among people, we are all set for  #ShahidDibas!”. 

TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee, senior leader Tapas Roy and others paid a visit to the venue, while other party leaders campaigned at different locations for the July 21 function.