My resolve to ensure festival passes off peacefully: Mamata Banerjee

Pic Courtesy: PTI

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said her government would take all steps to stop potential troublemakers during Durga Puja in the state and asserted it was her resolve to ensure that celebrations pass off peacefully.

She claimed she had information that "some outsiders" had "already booked train tickets" for West Bengal with intentions to foment trouble.

The statement comes amid fears of disturbances during the Durga idol immersions which are coinciding with the Tazia processions of Muharram.

"A mere spark is enough to cause a blaze. I came to know that some outsiders have already booked ticket to Bengal to foment trouble and create nuisance," she said and warned them against trying to create any trouble.

"I must tell them that let Bengal stay like Bengal. We shall celebrate our festival in good spirit and in our own way, peacefully."

Banerjee's remarks come just days after the Calcutta HC allowed immersion of Durga idols on all days from Vijayadashami on September 30, including Muharram on Oct 1.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Rakesh Tiwari and Justice Harish Tandon had directed the state government to make necessary arrangements and designat routes for immersion and Tazia processions.

"There is nothing to worry about. We are taking steps to prevent the spread of misinformation," Banerjee said after inaugurating a puja pandal here in the evening.

She reassured people that the state administration would remain by their side, extending all kinds of assistance.

"It's my resolve to observe the festival in a peaceful way. We have to ensure that nobody falls prey to provocation or misinformation that can disturb peace."

She appealed to the people to celebrate the festival in true spirit and not fall prey to any provocation. She added it was a collective duty to ensure no untoward incident occur during the festival time.

Later, while inaugurating another pandal, she said, "Nobody should try to create division within us. Evil people ignite fire, but the good ones douse them."