The chairperson arrived in Jalpaiguri district yesterday to take stock of the overall development of the tribals in the Dooars. She visited a number of tea plantations in the Dooars today, which has a sizeable tribal population. The chairperson, however, faced grievance at Nagrakata where she held a dialogue with the tribal leadership. The ABAVP supporters gheraoed her vehicle and expressed their frustration.
The ABAVP state president, Mr Birsha Tirkey, who was present at the spot said: “The chairperson was not interested in our demands. Our rank and file is unhappy with it.”
He, however, added that the commission would prove fruitful for the development of the tribal population of north Bengal. “The commission is not politically laced. We are hopeful it would help our community to develop,” he said.
Mrs Urmila Sing said: “They have lots of demands like electricity, Hindi speaking teacher, drinking water etc. We are watching the overall condition and would report to the President of India. We would also talk to the West Bengal government about our findings.”
Mrs Singh also met members of Banarhat GP I and inquired about the development of the tribal people.