Mamata visits sanctuary in north Bengal

SUKNA (WB): West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee visited Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, a day before signing of the tripartite agreement on the contentious Darjeeling issue.

The predominantly Gorkha residents of the forest area were taken by surprise by her unannounced visit.

The locals entertained her with tea and told her about problems they face in the forest during her one-hour stay.

Banerjee was presented 'khada', a silk scarf for ceremonial occasions, by the locals.

The chief minister was accompanied by Trinamool leader and Union minister Mukul Ray and some journalists.