Jalpaiguri, 18th January: Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO) former members and linkman are refusing to back down from their mega agitation despite meeting with the district police officers.
In 2003-04, several KLO militants were caught one after the other in Bhutan during the army’s ‘Operation All Clear’ and ‘Operation Flash out’. Many also surrendered during this period. But many KLOs say that they were charged with false cases during the tenure of the Left. Later Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that she would give jobs to former KLO rebels and linkman. While some were provided with jobs, most are still unemployed.
Their financial situation deteriorated even more after the lockdown was imposed due to the pandemic. Therefore, the former KLOs and linkman have called to protest against the Jalpaiguri District Police Super Office on the 19th of this month, demanding employment. Former KLO members also said that if no solution is provided, they will be forced to stage large agitation, hunger strikes and road blockades.
It is to be noted, on Sunday, a meeting was held with the KLO members on behalf of the Jalpaiguri district police. In the meeting, the police officers asked the KLO members to withdraw from their protest. However, the members said that they will continue the agitation until all are employed.
Former KLO member Vishweshwar Roy said that while waiting for the state to keep their promise, the KLO members are not being able to apply for other jobs. In the course, their age is exceeding the eligibility limit. He added that the police officials assured to give them jobs in Sunday’s meeting and urged them to withdraw from the movement.
Former KLO member from the Women Wing Jyotsna Roy said that although the police officers asked them to withdraw from the agitation in the meeting, however, they did not provide a specific time by which all the KLO members would get employed. Roy asserted that they have made it clear to the police officers that they will not withdraw from the movement under any circumstances.