Citizens demand check on gambling at Kalaigaon

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

KALAIGAON, May 1: Conscious  citizens and students organizations in Kalaigaon area in Udalguri district have expressed serious concern over open gambling at ongoing doul festival here.

The citizens alleged that open gambling like jhandi-munda is going on at various places in the area in the last couple of days.

“It (open gambling) is becoming a culture in here under the eye of the police and the administration. It is a shame that they are allowing this to happen,” said a local.

A student leader said, “It is a matter of great concern that at a time when we are trying to stop gambling and other illegal activities, the administration is endorsing such evil practices. How can open gambling takes place here under the very nose of the police and the administration?” It urged the district administration to check gambling in the district and demanded a ban on gambling.

The senior citizens of Kalaigaon  expressed concern over open gambling at the holy festival at Kalaigaon town. They question the role of the police and the district administration. Some of them accused the police and the administration of having a ‘share’ in the matter.

“It is a known fact that everybody has share in it. Or else, why are the police and the administration turning a blind eye to everything?” asked a senior citizen of Kalaigaon.

When contacted , Kalaigaon SDPO, Mr. Nirupam Hazarika said that the police would take action against  this illegal business.