Has Nabanna Become a Virtual Fortress Due to Job-Losing Teachers' Rally?

Kolkata, July 28 (NationPress) The Howrah City Police has transformed the West Bengal Secretariat Nabanna at Mandirtala into a stronghold in anticipation of the planned 'March to the state secretariat' organized by a coalition of jobless teachers, non-teaching staff from state-run schools, and government personnel.

All necessary measures have been taken to prevent the march from reaching the state secretariat Nabanna, as called by the coalition, whose members remain resolute in their plans for the protest, even after the Calcutta High Court denied permission for the event last week.

Law enforcement has been on high alert since Monday morning to ensure public safety. Heavy iron barricades have been set up at three key points within Howrah city to deter protesters from violating court orders and conducting processions.

Measures have been implemented to obstruct access to the state secretariat. The three primary entrances to the city leading to Nabanna have been fortified with large iron barricades since early morning.

Iron and concrete barriers have been positioned near the Railway Museum adjacent to Howrah Station, the Ramkrishnapur Ghat Gate on Foreshore Road, and the Bangabashi intersection on GT Road. Additionally, large iron guardrails are on standby for use near Shibpur Kazipara intersection and Nabanna.

A platform of unemployed teachers and government workers has called for a march to Nabanna, demanding the reinstatement of 26,000 school teachers and staff, recruitment for primary teachers, and an increase in Dearness Allowance.

However, the Calcutta High Court has prohibited gatherings for the march while addressing an appeal from a business organization in Mangalahat.

In response to the court's ruling, the Howrah City Police have denied any permission for this march to Nabanna Abhiyan. Nonetheless, the groups remain determined to take to the streets to advocate for their demands.

Bhaskar Ghosh, the convenor of the Joint Forum of State Government Employees, stated their intention to initiate their protest from Shahid Minar in Kolkata. "If we are halted in Howrah, we will commence our demonstrations there," he added.

In light of the anticipated protest march, approximately 2,000 police officers have been deployed to prevent unlawful gatherings. Three water cannons are also on standby. About ten drones will be operated by the Howrah City Police to monitor the processions and assemblies.

On Sunday, Howrah City Police Commissioner Praveen Kumar Tripathi emphasized that the police did not authorize the march due to the court's prohibition.

"Even so, if anyone gathers for the 'march to Nabanna', the Howrah City Police will classify it as illegal and enforce strict legal measures," he stated.