Kolkata, May 8 (UNI) West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has convened an emergency meeting with state top officials, including that of the agricultural marketing department, at Nabanna later on Thursday to chalk out comprehensive strategies to keep the prices of the essentials under control following the Operation Sindoor.
Banerjee has already announced cancellation of all leaves of the government employees, urged the private schools to declare summer vacation from the Rabindra Day ( tomorrow) and called for unity in every aspect of lives at this hour to support the Indian Armed Forces to carry on combatment against the terrorists and their backers.
She said the scrupulous traders might take advantage of the situation but the government has enough capability to check them from doing hoarding and other means of profiteering.
However, the market of the day was as usual and there was not report of any buying spree among the consumers, a local report said.
Banerjee also placed the state administration on alert and called everyone to forget differences and stay united.
But at the same time she assured not to be panicky and appointed state chief secretary Manoj Pant as the Nodal Officer to communicate information on any vital issue.
"There should not be differences among us on this issue. The police have been put on alert. district magistrates have been alerted. All leaves have been cancelled,” Banerjee said.
Banerjee said the government schools have been closed because of summer vacation, further requesting private schools to announce leave as well.
"I request private schools to announce leave as well. I am not issuing any guidelines. This is a request,” she added.
The state also alerted the disaster management department and control rooms, especially those in north Bengal will be open 24x7.
"Our agricultural marketing department will hold a meeting on Thursday to ensure that traders do not hike prices taking advantage of the situation,” Banerjee reiterated.
She said that Bengal has always sacrificed for the nation, adding that " we have to be on the alert since Bengal shares borders with other countries."
West Bengal is surrounded with a very large part with Bangladesh, and considerably less with Nepal and a portion with Bhutan.
India has very cordial relations with Nepal and Bhutan.
The chief minister also appealed to all with folded hands, especially the commentators in the TVs to refrain from debating about the sensitive issues.
The chief minister, however, assured not to fear fear and be panicky in case of any mock drill regarding preparedness in case of any emergencies.
UNI PC KK