Author: Correspondent
Publication: The Telegraph
Date: September 26, 2007
URL: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070926/asp/siliguri/story_8360038.asp
Nine persons were injured when a group of
50 civilians clashed with jawans of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in the Chamurchi
checkpost area last night.
Except for three jawans, all others have been
admitted to Birpara State General Hospital. Giasuddin Ansari has been referred
to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital. The jawans were taken to their
unit hospital in Falakata, 40km away.
The clash was over the victory celebrations
following India's win in the ICC World Twenty20 final. The SSB alleged that
the residents of the area, 80km from here, pelted stones at their camp when
the jawans were busy celebrating the win.
Riajul Karim, the president of Anjuman Committee
representing the residents, said the allegations were baseless and that the
jawans had beaten up Toihit Khan, a 25-year-old. "He was standing near
the checkpost and the jawans addressed him in filthy language. Then they slapped
him around for no reason. When we went to the camp to find out why, they attacked
us," said Karim.
Both the jawans and the committee have filed
FIRs against each other with the Banarhat police station.
In another version of the story, S.C. Pal,
the deputy commandant of the 23rd Battalion of the SSB, said a group of 50
people with swords and sticks had attacked the camp. "Our jawans were
celebrating the victory. There were at least 50 armed attackers. Our jawans
retaliated in self-defence."
In another incident in Mia Para, Gayerkata,
a procession celebrating India's victory was attacked this morning. As panic
spread, shopkeepers downed shutters. A large police force reached the spot
and brought the situation under control.
