Kolkata: The CPM has in the past three days lodged at least 10 police complaints against attempts at thwarting decorators from setting up their book stalls outside puja pandals in Kolkata.
Police and the administration must provide level playing field so that all can propagate their thoughts and ideology.
We would want an atmosphere of amity and unity to exist during the festive season,” said Mohammed Selim, CPM state secretary. A party member said stalls were attacked in Pora Ashwattala in Behala, Mahabirtala in New Alipore, Dum Dum and Kasba. SUCI(C) complained its Sharadiya book stalls, including in Tangra, Behala, Howrah, Behrampore, Bishnupur and Radhakantapur, were vandalised, banners torn and books destroyed. Party senior Tapan Mukherjee was injured during an attack in Tangra. Police allegedly forcibly shut down or denied permits for stalls in Baranagar, Regent Park and Beleghata. “We appeal to police to act against them, those who are ransacking stalls, setting fire to the structures.
Several Left functionaries on Friday addressed a news meet, denouncing the attacks and determined to open book stalls. Police on Friday dismantled a book stall in Ahiritala as it lacked proper permission.