November 16, 2012
Chief Minister felicitates police force for maintaining law and order during festival

West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee felicitated police officials for maintaining law and order in the State during the festivals. `I am thankful to the police force that did a great job during the festival and I am sure they will continue to work like this. This is just the beginning of the festival season and we have so many festivals to come. I would like to reiterate that please maintain peace and harmony across the State and abstain from any communal activities`, said the Chief Minister.
Referring to the alleged firing incident at Tehatta in Nadia district of West Bengal, the Chief Minister said, `Any loss of life is unfortunate and I condemn the incident but at the same time I will request you not to give the incident any political colour`. She said that the State Government has already announced an ex-gratia payment of two-lakh rupees alongwith a job in the Green Police Force to the next to the kin.
The Chief Minister said that her Government believes in secularism and will therefore observe all the festivals. `I have already announced holidays on Chhath Puja, Mahavir Jayanti, Budhha Jayanti and Easter. I add Muharram and Sab-e-Barat to the list since I know it is very hard for the Muslim brothers to attend to their regular work after staying awake whole night`, said Ms. Banerjee who said the State Government will also observe Guru Nanak`s birth anniversary.
She appeals to all the religious organization to maintain peace and harmony during the festivals.