Curfew in Siliguri: violence on desecration of their Idol

NI Wire

New Delhi

Sat, 29 Sep 2007: 

SEP 29 : Violence gripped Siliguri, a commercial city in West Bengal after the remark by a Radio Jockey of a Delhi based FM radio station on the newly crownedndian Idol Prashant.

Prashant is

The jockey said “Shopkeepers will now have to make their own security arrangements as Gorkhas have taken to singing.” He also described Prashant “Chowkidar se Indian Idol” (from watchman to Indian Idol). Such comments were enough to hurt the sentiments of Gorkha community.

The protesters while proceeding to submit a memorandum to the district administration entered into a scuffle with the patient in the ambulance.

Several of vehicles were torched. Police were forced to fire when tear gas failed to suppress the violence.

A curfew has been imposed in the Siliguri.

The Army and BSF were stepped in to control the violence in Siliguri after the clash between Prashant’s fan and rivals group.

'Indian Idol' Prashant Tamang had appealed for peace in Siliguri after violence and arson rocked the commercial city.

"I urge you all to maintain calm, otherwise I may not be able to concentrate in my career," Tamang said in an appeal.

Prashant’s told that the remark has upset him and his community and he has sought to take legal action against the Jockey who has given this remark.

The radio jockey has apologized to Prashant and his community.

Prashant who was announced as the Indian Idol in a grand finale at Delhi, has given a moment of pride to the people of Darjeeling from where he hails from.

With the announcement he became the first Nepali to become Indian Idol, which left the community celebrating the success of their star.

The emotion has swept the people and led this violence which could have been avoided.

The remark has been criticized by several of celebrities.

The need of the hour is to calm down people who are reacting to the desecration of their Idol.

As this protest may only isolate Prashant and his community, there could have been some other way to protest.

Meanwhile an all party meeting has been called in Siliguri district to maintain peace. Earlier West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee criticising such remarks has assured to take strong action against the radio station and also the RJ after consulting with Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

“We are taking measures to take action against the concerned FM channel,” West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was quoted as saying on Friday.