West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday visited Alipuduar district where 1,000 Adivasis have taken refuge following ethnic violence in Assam.
“They are more than our guests. We may not be able to extend the best of hospitality, but we will do whatever is possible. It is our duty to stand by our guests who have had to leave their homes,” said Ms. Banerjee, who distributed blankets and warm clothing.
“I have seen many children, including a 14-day-old, here,” she told journalists after visiting a makeshift shelter in the Changmari gram panchayat.
Asked about their return to Assam, Ms. Banerjee said it was for them to decide. They were free to live here as long as they wanted.
Some Adivasi groups observed a 12-hour bandh in north Bengal to condemn the violence. John Barla, leader of the Adivasi Vikash Parishad, told The Hindu that people at Terai and Dooars supported the strike, and tea gardens and markets remained closed.
