Bengal's protesting teachers clash with cops

Several districts in West Bengal witnessed protests on Wednesday as a section of teachers and non-teaching staff, who lost their jobs following a Supreme Court verdict that invalidated their appointments, clashed with police during demonstrations.

The protesters alleged they were subjected to baton-charge and manhandling by law enforcement personnel in Kolkata.

In Kasba area, protesters gathered outside the office of the district inspector (DI) of schools, demanding their reinstatement and a meeting with the official. The protest turned chaotic when the demonstrators allegedly broke through barricades and forced their way into the premises after finding the gates locked.


Kolkata Police commissioner Manoj Verma said at a press conference that at least six police personnel were injured in the incident.

Calling the incident "undesirable", Chief Secretary Manoj Pant said: "What happened in Kasba today is undesirable. In some districts and Kolkata, some stray incidents took place when teachers went to DI offices. We want to reassure the teachers that their pain is understandable and we feel it."

"We will file a review petition in the Supreme Court," Pant told media persons. "We understand the predicament of the teachers, they have families and loans. We have urged that the system should continue," Pant said. The state government has not given a termination order.

Appealing to the teachers to maintain peace, he said: "We urge them not to fall prey to provocation. We have to find a legal solution and the state government will have to find a way. They should not take the law into their own hands. There was an attack on police personnel, on public property and vandalisation of property."