Won't tolerate attempts to trigger riots: Bengal CM

Asserting that her government will not tolerate attempts to trigger riots in the state, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said violence by any community will be tackled with an iron hand.

"We will not tolerate those who ignite the fire of riots and provoke others. We will not tolerate any violence by members of any community, whether they are Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs or Christians. The rule is same for everyone," she said.

"A true Hindu or a true Muslim will never want to indulge in riots. He will always like to live in peace and work for the betterment of people. Those who ignite the fire of riots do it for the benefit of their party," Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister, who is on her second visit to north Bengal this year, formally accorded Kalimpong sub-division the status of the 21st district of West Bengal. It has been carved out of Darjeeling.

She said her government will take initiatives to revive the ancient 'Silk Route' that connected Nepal and Bhutan with the hills of West Bengal in the past.

She announced a water treatment project costing Rs 50 crore for the area.

"Kalimpong was once connected to Nepal and Bhutan through the Silk Route. We will rebuild it. Our government will invest Rs 220 crore for the road's construction," Banerjee said.

--IANS

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