All posts by Kalimpong News

Economy, National

Commercial Gas Cylinder Prices Rise by ₹48; Domestic Rates Remain Unchanged

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 1, 2024, New Delhi: In a recent announcement, the price of commercial gas cylinders has been increased by ₹48, effective October 1. This change comes amidst rising costs of essential goods, adding to the financial strain faced by consumers.


While the hike in commercial gas prices is significant, domestic cooking gas rates have remained stable, maintaining the price of the 14.2 kg cylinder. Prior to the Lok Sabha elections, the government had reduced prices for both domestic and commercial cylinders, providing some relief to the public. However, this relief appears to be short-lived, as the prices for commercial cooking gas have surged again.

Specifically, the price for a 19 kg commercial cylinder has risen from ₹1,802.50 to ₹1,850 in Delhi. In Mumbai, the price is now ₹1,692, while in Chennai, it stands at ₹1,903. This upward trend in commercial gas prices is concerning, especially as inflation affects daily necessities.

As the government faces scrutiny over the rising cost of living, consumers continue to feel the pinch. The unchanged domestic rates may provide a temporary reprieve for households, but many remain anxious about potential future increases. With the elections approaching, the stability of gas prices will likely remain a crucial issue for the electorate.
Economy, Politics, Regional, West Bengal

West Bengal Government Urges Hill Tea Gardens to Pay 16% Bonus to Workers

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West Bengal government urges hill tea gardens to pay a 16% bonus to workers for fiscal 2023-24, aligning with the Dooars and Terai regions’ decision. The move aims to maintain parity and prevent labor unrest.
PTI, Kolkata, Oct 1, 2024 :  The West Bengal government’s Labour department on Tuesday issued an advisory to disburse bonus to workers of tea gardens of Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong at 16 per cent for the fiscal 2023-24.

The government said this advisory has been issued to maintain parity throughout the tea industry in West Bengal as the gardens of Dooars and Terai regions of North Bengal have decided to pay bonus at 16 per cent for the last financial year.

In the advisory, the state government said that while the tea gardens of the hills had earlier agreed to pay bonus to the workers at 8.33 per cent as per the Bonus Act of 1965 after a series of meetings held between management, trade unions, and the government at tripartite level considering the severe financial stress faced by the gardens, labour unrest ensued in North Bengal as the workers were not ready to settle for bonus at less than 20 per cent.

Subsequently, the management of the gardens agreed to pay bonus at 13 per cent but the unions stuck to their demand of 20 per cent resulting in a deadlock.

According to the government, an industry-wide settlement has been already made to pay bonus at 16 per cent in North Bengal, disbursement of the same has started in full swing there.

While the Durga Puja and Dussehra festivals are very near, it has become urgent and necessary that the bonus payment to the workers of North Bengal gardens should start without any further delay by the management.

The government said that workers and their families should not be deprived owing to the impasse. The government also urged the management and the trade unions to ensure industrial peace and harmony.

Regarding financially stressed gardens, the rate of bonus may be decided at a bipartite level agreed upon by the management and trade unions.

The government also said that the bonus payout should be disbursed within October four.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday had refused to intervene in the ongoing impasse over payment of bonus to tea garden workers of Darjeeling hills.

She alleged that the deadlock was the result of political disturbances. 
International, National

Indian Army Chief Warns of Israeli Tactics Amid Rising Tensions with Hezbollah

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 1, 2024, New Delhi: In a critical statement, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi urged caution regarding Israel’s strategic maneuvers, particularly in the realm of technology imports. Speaking at a recent conference, General Dwivedi highlighted Israel’s “master plan” aimed at dismantling Hezbollah, following a recent explosion that underscored the volatility of the region.


The explosion, linked to Hezbollah’s communication network, resulted in the deaths of 40 individuals and significantly disrupted the group’s operations. Reports suggest that the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad developed a covert shell company to engineer explosive devices concealed within the walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah operatives. This operation has drawn attention from military strategists, including General Dwivedi, who has previously commended Israel’s innovative tactics.

Following the explosion, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah ordered a shift to mobile phones in an attempt to evade Israeli surveillance, believing it would obscure the group’s movements from Mossad. However, this move prompted a swift counterstrategy from Israel. According to the New York Times, the shell company was established prior to Nasrallah’s directive, allowing Mossad to swiftly create specialized pagers tailored for Hezbollah. These devices, equipped with a mere three grams of explosive, were engineered to exploit vulnerabilities in the group’s communication protocols.

General Dwivedi’s remarks serve as a stark reminder for India to remain vigilant about the implications of Israel’s technological advancements and intelligence operations. As regional tensions escalate, the need for strategic awareness and preparedness has never been more critical for Indian defense operations. The Indian military community continues to monitor these developments closely, recognizing the potential impact on national security and regional stability.
Crime, Politics, West Bengal

Partha Chatterjee Seeks Bail from Supreme Court Amid Ongoing CBI Investigation

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 1, 2024, Kolkata: In a pivotal turn of events, Partha Chatterjee has formally approached the Supreme Court with a plea for bail, igniting discussions around his prolonged incarceration. His lawyer has pointed out that, unlike other defendants such as Anubrata Mondal, who have successfully secured their release, Chatterjee remains behind bars, highlighting a perceived inconsistency in the judicial process.


The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues to press charges against Chatterjee, intensifying the scrutiny surrounding his case. Despite the serious allegations, his legal team contends that over two years of detention have yielded no substantial evidence to support the claims made against him. The nature of the charges could lead to a maximum sentence of seven years, raising further questions about the implications of his extended imprisonment without definitive proof.

In response to this pressing situation, the Supreme Court has taken significant action by issuing notices to all parties involved in the case. Chatterjee’s bail application, submitted on September 13, has garnered the Court’s attention, and Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan have underscored the importance of expedited proceedings in the lower courts. They have mandated that the lower court conduct regular hearings, with a scheduled Supreme Court review in just ten days.

Chatterjee’s ongoing detention, despite a lack of conclusive evidence, has sparked widespread concern regarding the fairness and integrity of the judicial system. Advocates and legal experts alike are calling for an immediate reevaluation of his situation, emphasizing the need for justice to be served without unnecessary delay. The outcome of this plea could set a significant precedent in the realm of bail applications and the treatment of defendants awaiting trial in similar circumstances.
Misc, National, West Bengal

West Bengal Government Allocates ₹1,500 Crore for Ghatal Master Plan to Combat Flooding

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 30 September 2024, Kolkata: In a significant step towards mitigating the perennial flood crisis in West Bengal’s Ghatal region, the state government has committed ₹1,500 crore for the implementation of the much-anticipated Ghatal Master Plan. The ambitious project, which has been in the pipeline for years, aims to provide lasting relief to the flood-ravaged residents of the Ghatal subdivision in East and West Midnapore. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has already been prepared, with a targeted completion timeline of two years.


Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, emphasizing the urgency of the project, held a high-level meeting at Nabanna to fast-track its execution. “The Ghatal Master Plan has been stalled for far too long. We must expedite this crucial work. There is also a need for a similar master plan for the Sundarbans, where rising water levels near Kapil Muni Ashram in Gangesagar are becoming a growing concern,” the Chief Minister said during the meeting.

Ghatal, located about 120 km west of Kolkata, has become synonymous with devastating annual floods that impact both urban and rural areas. Local residents, many of whom live on or below the poverty line, have faced the brunt of these floods for decades. Every year, heavy monsoon rains and post-monsoon tropical cyclones from the Bay of Bengal inundate the region, causing immense damage to property and livelihoods.

The Ghatal region’s geographical challenges exacerbate the situation. It lies in a basin-shaped topography, surrounded by rivers like the Shilabati, Dwarkeshwar, and Rupnarayan, which frequently overflow during the monsoon season. The stagnant floodwaters make recovery even more difficult for the affected communities. Moreover, the release of excess water from upstream reservoirs of the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and the Kangsabati Project adds to the problem, contributing to prolonged waterlogging in the area.

The Ghatal Master Plan, seen as a long-term solution, will include extensive dredging of riverbeds and the reinforcement of embankments. The project is expected to alleviate the flood situation by improving drainage systems and controlling the water flow. Experts, like Dr. Sayantan Das of Dum Dum Motijheel College’s Geography Department, have emphasized the importance of managing the water released from the DVC and Kangsabati reservoirs, which frequently leads to severe flooding in the region.

For decades, the Ghatal area has seen little progress despite repeated promises from successive governments. Residents like Ashok Santra, a long-time CPI(M) worker, have expressed frustration over the delayed action. “The Left Front government tried for years to address this issue, but it remained unresolved. Even before that, Congress ruled for 30 years, yet the problem persists. The original funding structure, with a 60-40 split between the central and state governments, never materialized,” Santra lamented.

With the ₹1,500 crore allocation, the state government hopes to bring about tangible improvements. As Paschim Medinipur heads to the polls in May 2025, the success of the Ghatal Master Plan will be a critical issue for local voters. The project’s implementation is not only a matter of infrastructure but a lifeline for the region’s flood-weary residents who have endured decades of hardship.

The urgency and scale of the project mark a turning point in the state’s flood management strategy, offering renewed hope for the people of Ghatal.
Politics, West Bengal

Minister Blames Central Government for Bengal Floods While Distributing Relief Materials

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 30 September 2024, Harishchandrapur:  

As the Phulahar River continues to rise, flooding nearby villages and leaving thousands stranded, West Bengal Minister Tajmul Hossain delivered much-needed relief materials to the affected areas by boat. Accompanied by Harishchandrapur Block 2 BDO Tapas Kumar Pal, Panchayat Samiti President Representative Monirul Alam, Kumedpur Outpost OC Kajal Banerjee, and other local officials, the minister visited the inundated villages along the riverbank.

The persistent rainfall in North Bengal has caused water levels to surge in various rivers, including the Phulahar. This has led to severe flooding in several villages within the Harishchandrapur 2nd Block of Malda district, particularly Daulatnagar, Rashidpur, North Bhakuria, South Bhakuria, Kawadol, and Tatipara. Minister Tajmul Hossain and BDO Tapas Kumar Pal surveyed the flood-hit areas and distributed relief supplies, including polythene sheets, rice, gur, clothing, and other essentials to 250 affected families.

One local resident, Gauri Mandal from North Bhakuria, expressed her fear: “The water is still rising, and we are very scared. The administration has arranged temporary accommodation for us, but many of us are reluctant to leave our homes.”

During his visit, Minister Hossain took the opportunity to criticize the Central Government, accusing it of causing the floods by releasing water into seven districts of South Bengal without informing the West Bengal government. He stated, “We have come to several villages today, including North and South Bhakuria, Kawadol, and Rashidpur, following the Chief Minister’s directives. Relief materials were distributed to about 250 people. While the state government is actively working to support flood victims, the Central Government has once again deprived West Bengal. They released water into South Bengal without consulting our Chief Minister, leading to flooding in multiple districts. Despite this, our Irrigation Department is doing its best to mitigate the impact.”

The situation remains critical as the floodwaters continue to rise, but the state government has assured that relief efforts will continue for those affected.
Crime, Health, West Bengal

Junior Doctors’ Lawyer Voices Concern in Supreme Court: Influential Accused Still in Hospital

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 30, 2014, Kolkata:  In a significant development, junior doctors have raised their concerns in the Supreme Court regarding the delay in action against seven influential individuals accused in a case of financial corruption. Their lawyer, Indira Jaisingh, voiced the doctors’ frustrations, pointing out that despite the seriousness of the allegations, these individuals remain in the hospital, sparking worries among the junior medical staff.


During Monday’s hearing, Jaisingh highlighted the gravity of the situation, remarking, “This is not just a case of financial corruption; it involves a broader context of systemic abuse. Four members of the medical council, present at the scene of a rape and murder, are still hospitalized.” She further pressed the court to suspend the seven accused individuals, arguing that the delay in action jeopardizes the safety and peace of mind of the junior doctors.

Jaisingh questioned how the junior doctors could confidently return to work if the authorities fail to act swiftly. In response, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court instructed that the state should take immediate action as soon as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) releases the names of those under investigation.

The state’s lawyer reassured the court, stating, “No matter how influential these individuals may be, the state will take prompt action once the CBI discloses their identities. There will be no hesitation in enforcing the law against them.”

The case has garnered widespread attention, as the junior doctors continue to demand justice and protection, while the public awaits further developments in the high-profile corruption investigation.
Crime, Health, West Bengal

Junior Doctors at National Medical College Hospital Attacked by Intoxicated Patient and Family

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 30 September 2024, Kolkata: In a disturbing incident at National Medical College Hospital, junior doctors were assaulted by an intoxicated patient and his family. Following a similar incident at Sagar Dutta Hospital, this attack included verbal abuse and death threats, causing widespread concern at one of Kolkata’s key medical facilities.


The altercation occurred when a patient, accompanied by friends, arrived at the hospital’s emergency department in an inebriated state, with severe hand injuries. After the doctors recommended an operation, the patient demanded immediate treatment, which the doctors explained was not feasible without proper preparation. This refusal triggered chaos in the hospital, with the patient and his relatives becoming aggressive and issuing threats against the doctors.

Five junior doctors from the surgery emergency unit were on duty during the incident. They reported that the patient and his family threatened to harm them. Following the attack, a formal complaint was lodged at the Beniyapukur police station. The police have since launched an investigation, arresting four individuals in connection with the assault and requesting CCTV footage from the hospital for further review.

This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of medical professionals at the hospital. Many doctors have expressed feelings of extreme insecurity, questioning the adequacy of safety measures in place to protect them while they perform their duties.

In response to the complaint, police officials were stationed at the hospital for an extended period. However, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the protection of healthcare workers in high-stress environments like emergency departments.
West Bengal

Five-Year-Old Child Drowns in Floodwaters While Bathing with Parents in Ghatal

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 30 September 2024, West Medinipur: A tragic incident unfolded in the Argora area of Ward No. 2, Ghatal Municipality, where a five-year-old child drowned in floodwaters. The child, who had been bathing with his parents near a stream to attend a relative’s funeral on Monday morning, lost his life despite immediate rescue efforts.


According to local sources, several residents had warned the family against approaching the dangerous stream. Unfortunately, while his parents were distracted, the child ventured near the water and suddenly slipped into the floodwaters. As the parents rushed to save him, they too found themselves in danger.

A police unit and a special disaster management team were called to the scene. After a tense two-hour search, conducted with the assistance of local residents, the child was found and immediately taken to a hospital. Sadly, doctors declared the child dead upon arrival.

This heart-wrenching incident has cast a pall of mourning over the entire community, with locals deeply shaken by the untimely death of the young boy.
Politics, West Bengal

TMC Women Unite in 200 km Human Chain Across West Bengal

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KalimNews, September 30, 2024, Kolkata: A significant human chain program was held today in Kolkata, Chinsurah, and Kulpi block, organized by the Mahila Trinamool Congress in various legislative assemblies. Law and Health Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya called for a 200 km human chain across the state, emphasizing women’s empowerment and expressing gratitude for the swift trial of victims in the RG Kar case.


Minister Bhattacharya stated, “I don’t know what the opposition is doing. We are making our demands clear.” She highlighted that the RG Kar case was scheduled for hearing today, with Chief Justice DY Chandrachud confirming that the case would be addressed after 2 PM. The Supreme Court had previously discussed the case on August 27, with the Chief Justice indicating that further hearings would occur based on the state government’s application.

In a related development, the court granted permission for a doctors’ march protesting the RG Kar case. Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj allowed the march from College Square to Rabindra Sadan on October 1, from 5 PM to 8 PM, while ensuring adequate volunteers are present during the procession.
In Chinsurah, under Hooghly district, women rallied under the slogan “My hand in your hand, we are all with Didi.” This event, initiated by Health Minister Bhattacharya, was organized to express gratitude to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her developmental projects. Various locations in the city, including Mor, Rabindranagar Petrol Pump, Sarat Sarani, and Bali Mor, hosted the “Human Bonding Program.” Trinamool leaders, including Chinsurah MLA Asit Majumdar, participated in these gatherings.

Additionally, the Trinamool Women’s Organization organized a 175 km human chain event today to honor party leader Mamata Banerjee. Women members from 35 districts participated, creating a 5 km chain in each district from noon until afternoon. In Kulpi block, the program was led by local leaders, including Trinamool Congress President Supriya Halder and Youth President Samsur Alam Mir. Participants expressed their support for Banerjee, chanting, “Aarmi Kaat Tukei, we are all with Didi.”

This event marks a concerted effort to unite women across West Bengal in support of their leader and to celebrate the empowerment initiatives undertaken by the state government.
Games & Sports, West Bengal

East Bengal Club Head Coach Carlos Cuadrat Resigns

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Kalim News, September 30, 2024, Kolkata: Carlos Cuadrat has officially resigned as the head coach of East Bengal Club following a disappointing start to the season.


Under Cuadrat’s leadership, East Bengal ended a 12-year trophy drought by winning the Super Cup last year. The team also managed to defeat their long-time rivals, Mohun Bagan, in the Durand Cup group stage after eight consecutive derby losses. However, they ultimately finished as runners-up in the competition, losing to Mohun Bagan in the final.

This season, East Bengal, in partnership with investor Emami, invested heavily to assemble a competitive squad, signing Indian stars like Jackson Singh and Anwar Ali for approximately 6 crore rupees. Additionally, they brought in high-profile players such as last year’s golden boot winner, Diamantaks, and Madhi Talal. Despite these efforts, the team struggled, losing all three of their opening matches.

Following a recent home defeat to Goa FC, fan frustration boiled over, with chants of “go back” directed at Cuadrat during the match. This marks East Bengal’s worst performance since the 2020-21 season.

The decision for Cuadrat’s resignation was made after discussions between the Emami East Bengal board and the coach. In the interim, Bino George will take over head coaching duties.

Shri Bivas Aggarwal from the Emami Group commented, “Carlos Cuadrat led the team to the Super Cup championship last year and coached us to a runner-up position in the Durand Cup. Under his guidance, we qualified for international competitions like the AFC Cup. We wish him a bright future on behalf of the club.”

Sources indicate that former Bengaluru FC coach Simon Gration is poised to take over as East Bengal’s new head coach, having led his previous team to the finals of three competitions in one season. However, no official announcement has been made regarding this appointment yet.
Politics, West Bengal

IMA Takes Action Against Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir Over Controversial Comments

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 29, 2024, Kolkata: Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir has once again found himself at the center of controversy following his recent explosive remarks, which include criticism of the junior doctors’ movement related to the RG Kar case. Accusations of intimidation have prompted the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to take a significant step against the MLA from Murshidabad’s Bharatpur constituency.


In a letter addressed to a Supreme Court judge, IMA’s joint secretary Ranjan Bhattacharya highlighted concerns about what he described as a “threat culture” perpetuated by Kabir. The letter emphasizes the need for the safety of medical professionals and the alarming implications of the MLA’s statements. The RG Kar case is scheduled for a hearing in the Supreme Court on Monday, and it is anticipated that this issue may also be raised during the proceedings.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Kabir has reportedly dismissed the concerns raised in the letter. He stated, “We make laws. I know well what is legal and what is not.” In a striking declaration, he added, “If I have to go to jail for someone, then after getting bail, I will gather with 50,000 people. If I am punished for not committing a crime, I will not hesitate to come back and commit a crime.”

The ongoing tensions between the Trinamool Congress and the medical community reflect broader issues of accountability and respect for healthcare professionals in the region. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the RG Kar case, the implications of Kabir’s remarks and the IMA’s response are likely to resonate throughout the political and medical landscapes of West Bengal.
Crime, National, West Bengal

CBI Probes Mysterious Circumstances Surrounding Doctor’s Death Amid Evidence Tampering Allegations

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 29, 2024, New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is intensifying its efforts to unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital, particularly focusing on the autopsy report’s reference to the term “antimortem.” The agency is eager to clarify several critical questions regarding the injuries found on the victim’s body.


The CBI has meticulously compared witness statements with the injury descriptions detailed in the post-mortem report. As part of their investigation, they have interrogated the doctors responsible for conducting the autopsy, as well as the morgue staff, in an effort to solve this complex case. Key questions include whether the injuries were inflicted before or after death and whether the victim, Tilottama, was sexually assaulted prior to or following her murder. The post-mortem report indicates multiple injuries that were allegedly sustained before death, although investigators are casting doubt on the report’s accuracy.

According to CBI sources, their multiple visits to RG Kar Hospital and scrutiny of the post-mortem report have led them to believe that while Sanjay Roy may have brutally tortured the victim, the actual murder could have been committed by someone else. This revelation, along with the possibility that sexual assault occurred after death, adds a new layer of complexity to the investigation.


The CBI has summoned Dr. Apurba Biswas, the post-mortem doctor, along with other staff members for further questioning at the CGO complex. Additionally, two seized mobile phones have been sent for forensic analysis. Notably, one of these phones belonged to an influential doctor with ties to former RG Kar chief Sandeep Ghosh. Investigators discovered that many crucial images, call recordings, and messages had been deleted from both devices, raising concerns that vital evidence related to the conspiracy may have been lost.

Details regarding the alleged conspiracy and evidence tampering by Dr. Sandeep Ghosh, who has been arrested, have emerged in court. If the CBI successfully proves the charges against him, Ghosh could face the death penalty for his involvement in evidence tampering and conspiracy. In a recent directive, a judge noted, “The scale of the charges is serious. If proved, this could lead to capital punishment, which is reserved for the rarest of cases. Therefore, it would be unjust to grant bail on these charges.”

As the investigation unfolds, the CBI is working diligently to piece together the facts surrounding this troubling case, seeking justice for the victim while holding accountable those who may have attempted to obstruct the truth.
National, Politics

Two Lashkar Militants Killed, Five Security Personnel Injured in Gunfight in Kulgam

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 29, 2024, New Delhi: The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir intensified over the weekend amid ongoing assembly elections, as two militants from the Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed during a gunfight in Kul village. The encounter took place late Saturday night, resulting in injuries to five security personnel.


According to reports, the incident began when a joint operation was launched by the nine Rashtriya Rifles and local Kashmir Police after intelligence indicated a militant presence in the Arigam village of the Debsar area in Kulgam district. As security forces cordoned off the area, suspected militants opened fire, prompting a swift response from the guards. In the ensuing gunfight, two jihadi militants were killed, and four security personnel, including an officer of ASP rank, sustained injuries.

Police sources indicated that the slain militants were believed to be plotting to incite unrest in the region during the electoral process. A cache of sophisticated firearms and ammunition was recovered from the scene, along with several suspicious documents that could provide further insight into their operations.

The two deceased militants have been identified as local residents: Umesh Wani from Kulgam and Aqib Ahmed Shergajri from Budgam. Both are reportedly affiliated with Lashkar’s offshoot, the Resistance Front, which has been linked to various militant activities in the region.

The recent encounter underscores the challenges facing security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during this crucial election period. Authorities are on high alert as they work to ensure a peaceful voting process amid ongoing threats from militant groups.
Regional, West Bengal

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Convenes Administrative Meeting Amid North Bengal Flood Crisis

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 29, 2024, Siliguri : Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee convened an urgent administrative meeting at Uttarkanya in Siliguri on Sunday to address the escalating flood situation in North Bengal, which has been severely impacted by the waters of the Koshi River. The flooding has affected vast areas, stretching from Malda to Kalimpong and into the hills of Darjeeling.


During her visit, the Chief Minister noted the persistent disruptions to traffic on National Highway No. 10, which has not yet returned to normalcy. Many residents have been forced to take shelter in relief camps after their homes were swept away by the relentless flooding. “Many residents of North Bengal have been affected by the water of the Koshi River in Nepal, which has entered Bengal from Bihar,” she explained while speaking at Dum Dum Airport before heading to the meeting. “Malda has also experienced severe flooding due to rising water levels in the Shangkos River.”

The flood crisis has led to significant communication challenges, especially with Sikkim, as parts of National Highway No. 10 have collapsed. The situation in various districts of the plains remains critical, exacerbated by water releases from the Teesta Barrage, which have contributed to flooding in Jalpaiguri and surrounding areas. A yellow alert has been issued by the Meteorological Department, advising residents near riverbanks to evacuate.

The flood crisis is not limited to Bengal; Nepal has been grappling with heavy rains for the past three days, resulting in widespread destruction and triggering massive landslides. So far, 112 fatalities have been reported in Nepal, with the capital, Kathmandu, suffering considerable damage.

As Banerjee prepared to address the flooding in North Bengal, she emphasized the interconnected nature of the crisis: “There is a flood situation in Bihar due to the Koshi River, and water is entering the northern side of our state through Bihar. We must remain vigilant as South Dinajpur may also be at risk of flooding.” She criticized the lack of dredging at the Farakka Barrage, which she believes has exacerbated the flooding.

Concerns are growing that the flood situation in Manikach, Malda, could worsen as waters from the Koshi and Gandak rivers continue to spread into Bengal. Areas including Bhutani in Manikach are at heightened risk of further inundation.

Meanwhile, Minister Firad Hakim, who visited the flood-affected areas on Saturday, has faced backlash after allegations surfaced that relief supplies were mismanaged or looted. Residents of Bhootnirchar have voiced their frustrations, claiming they did not receive the assistance they desperately need.

As the situation develops, the Chief Minister has vowed to provide necessary support and resources to those affected, urging residents to stay cautious and prepared.
Politics, West Bengal

Congress President Subhankar Sarkar Faces Protests at Sagar Dutta Medical College Hospital

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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 29, 2024, Kolkata : On Sunday afternoon, Pradesh Congress President Subhankar Sarkar visited Sagar Dutta Medical College Hospital, where junior doctors have been protesting in response to a violent incident that resulted in the death of a patient and subsequent attacks on medical staff. However, upon his arrival, Sarkar encountered a hostile reception, with protestors chanting slogans of “Go back” directed at him.


Despite the tension, Sarkar remained on the premises for a short time, aiming to support the agitating doctors. He later explained to reporters that he approached the hospital without any political affiliation or party flags, wishing to show solidarity with the junior doctors’ movement. “I went to Sagar Dutta without any political flag,” he stated. “I wanted to support the doctors’ protest.”

Witnesses reported that as soon as Sarkar arrived, protestors took to the microphone, urging him to leave. They emphasized, “Those who are trying to use this stage for political reasons, please join hands and request them to go back.” The protests stem from unrest that erupted after a patient died on Friday night, leading to a violent outburst from the deceased’s relatives, who attacked doctors and nurses and vandalized parts of the hospital.

Since that incident, junior doctors at Sagar Dutta Hospital have been on strike, demanding safer working conditions and justice for their colleagues. In an effort to distance themselves from political agendas, the junior doctors asserted, “Just as doctors do not look at the religion or caste of the patient during treatment, they also do not have any political identity.”

Responding to the protestors’ chants, Sarkar insisted that they did not explicitly tell him to leave, stating, “I went and talked to them. They thanked us for not bringing the flag.” The incident highlights the complex intersection of healthcare and politics in the state, as junior doctors continue to advocate for their rights and safety in the wake of recent violence.
Economy, Politics, Regional, West Bengal

Chief Minister Visits Flood-Hit North Bengal, Blames Central Government for Flooding

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KalimNews, KalimNews, September 29, 2024, Kolkata: As the Durga Puja festivities approach, vast areas of North Bengal are grappling with severe flooding. The situation has escalated into chaos, affecting regions from Malda in the plains to Kalimpong in the hills and Darjeeling. National Highway 10 has been closed, disrupting normal communication and transport.


Amid this crisis, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has embarked on a visit to North Bengal to assess the unfolding disaster. Before her journey, she expressed frustration at the central government, stating, “No one has inquired about the flood situation in Bengal.” She fears that conditions may deteriorate further due to anticipated releases of water from rivers in Nepal.

Banerjee attributed much of the flooding to the lack of dredging at the Farakka Barrage, which has led to significant silt accumulation and reduced water storage capacity. “There has been no help from the central government to address the flood situation in the state. No one has paid a single penny or even looked our way,” she declared. Several areas of North Bengal are currently inundated due to the Koshi River, with water starting to flow into Bengal through Bihar, exacerbating the crisis.

The flooding has severely impacted communication between Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Mirik in Sikkim. The Chief Minister highlighted that the rising water levels of the Sankosh River have caused floods in Malda, further endangering nearby regions.

Forecasts from the Meteorological Department indicate that more rain is expected in the coming days, which could worsen the already dire situation. “Some new areas may become inundated,” Banerjee warned. She noted that approximately 500,000 cusecs of water from the Koshi River has been released from Nepal, threatening further flooding in Malda, Murshidabad, Itahar in South Dinajpur, and other large areas.

In light of these developments, the Chief Minister has directed local administrations to implement evacuation protocols and issue warnings to residents. Additionally, she pointed out that Nepal is also suffering from heavy rains, contributing to the widespread flooding across the region.

“The entire country is grappling with this crisis, yet Bengal is the only state that has been deprived of necessary flood compensation,” Banerjee emphasized. As North Bengal continues to face this unprecedented challenge, the call for urgent assistance and intervention from the central government grows louder.