Teachers, students hail Calcutta court’s order to troops to vacate Lalgarh schools

LALGARH - Teachers and students in a Lalgrah village cluster on Wednesday welcomed the Calcutta High Court’s recent order asking paramilitary troops to vacate all school campuses by November 30.

Paramilitary forces had set up camps in various schools in Medinipur district, where Lalgarh is located, in July when joint operations commenced against the Maoists who had declared a ‘liberated zone’ in the areas under their control.

In Jangalmahal area, 20 schools were initially occupied by paramilitary forces. However, presently, the forces are camping in 10 schools of Binpur, Goaltore, Lalgarh, Ramgarh, Gohomidanga and Salboni.

“Removal of paramilitary forces would help the students to study properly. Many of our rooms have been occupied by the troops. We can now conduct classes properly,” said Chandi Das De, a teacher.

“Hearing the High Court’s order we were very happy as the paramilitary forces will vacate the place and we will be able to study and take exams freely,” said Abhishek Das, a student.

The frequent strikes and shutdowns called by the Maoist-backed People’s Committee against Police Atrocities (PCPA) had also crippled academics since the tribal movement against the state administration started in the area. (ANI)