Statesman News Service
KALIMPONG, April 15. — The indefinite strike called by the GNLF was called off this evening. The branch president of the front, Mr Dawa Pakhrin, said the strike was called off following assurance by the director-general of fire services to pay compensation to the families of those killed when a fire tender fell over them. Mr Pakhrin said the director-general of fire services has assured to transfer the drivers from Kalimpong.
Party leaders here had demanded an immediate inquiry and compensation to the affected families. Having submitted a requisition to the director-general of fire services through the SDO, Mr Pakhrin said that a demand of Rs 10 lakh each has been made as compensation for the family of the deceased. “Besides the injured should also be compensated with Rs 5 lakh each,” Mr Pakhrin said.
Three pedestrians were killed and five others injured yesterday when a fire brigade vehicle rammed into the Nehru Manch beside the 27th July crossing causing heavy damage to a Maruti van .
The GNLF leader reiterated that the accident occurred due to the “step-motherly” treatment of the state government. “The town has been caught up with major accidents over the years, including four cases of fire. We have repeatedly asked the state authorities to gear up the fire services but they never seem to be serious. In this instance, too, they are to be blamed as both the vehicle and the driver are at fault,” Mr Pakhrin said.
Pointing out at the three drivers in the fire services, namely Uddab Sarkar, Rabin Sarkar and Subrata Bhattacharya, the GNLF has said they should be transferred immediately as none of them hold driving licences for driving in hilly terrain. “Not only are the vehicles of the services old but there are enough drivers in the hills who have an ample experience of driving here. No doubt this is a case of negligence by the state,” the GNLF MLA, Mr Goulen Lepcha, said. The chairman of the municipality, Mr CK Kumai, yesterday lodged an official complaint against Uddab Sarkar.
The SDO, Dr AK Yadav, has confirmed that a “magisterial inquiry” will be made. “We will be investigating jointly with the police,” Dr Yadav said. A doctor at the sub-divisional hospital said the condition of the injured is stable now.