HC order to start construction of park at Thakurbari Kalimpong protested by Anjuman Islamia

Anjuman Islamia today held a protest in front of Kalimpong Sub-divisional office against the High Court order to start the construction of a park at Thakurbari. Notably, the area’s women organisation had filed a petition at the court to start the construction of the park at the disputed site, which has been closed since 1997. However, today the members of Anjuman Islamia protested against the HC order claiming the land was already purchased by the organisation.
The SDO remained tensed all day with the Anjuman Islamia staging the protest in front of the office building. At one side the area’s women organisation is alleging the administration of not starting the work even with the HC order and at the other side the Anjuman Islamia is protesting against the construction. In the wake of such a situation, the Municipality office was turned into a virtual fortress by large contingent of police force today.
Anjuman Islamia general secretary Aman Chisti said his organisation is against the opening of the park by the administration as it is still awaiting the HC order. Although the HC has given the order, but Anjuman Islamia is yet to officially receive the copy. Chisti said the organisation is hopeful of getting the order from the HC soon. “When Anjuman Islamia purchased the land, there was no park in the area and we cannot allow that without any official consensus,” he added.
Meanwhile, SDO Radhika Aiyar said the order to open the park was given following the hearing by the High Court and that her office will honour the court’s decision.(EOIC)