Police lathi charge, fire tear gas & water cannons on DYFI's rally in Siliguri

A protest march led by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) turned violent in Siliguri on Friday after police used water cannons, tear gas, and lathicharge to disperse protesters heading toward the Uttarkanya Secretariat. The rally, organized as part of “Anti-Unemployment Day,” saw hundreds of workers and supporters marching from Jalpai Mor under the leadership of DYFI state secretary Meenakshi Mukherjee.

According to DYFI leaders, the protest was peaceful, and they were engaged in talks with administrative officials for permission to proceed toward Uttarkanya. However, authorities refused to allow the march to continue. The situation escalated when some protesters attempted to break through police barricades at Teen Batti Mor, prompting police to respond with force.

Eyewitnesses reported that tear gas shells were fired, followed by water cannon deployment and baton charges to control the crowd. DYFI state secretary Meenakshi Mukherjee condemned the police action, claiming that many workers were injured. "We were marching peacefully in support of our demands, but the police attacked us without provocation," she said.

The clash led to major traffic disruptions in several parts of Siliguri, affecting daily commuters and causing widespread congestion. Police officials maintained that they had no choice but to act when protesters attempted to breach security barriers. Security forces remained on high alert throughout the day to prevent further escalation.

Following the violent dispersal of the rally, the police detained several DYFI leaders, including Meenakshi Mukherjee. Protesters have vowed to continue their movement despite the crackdown, demanding employment opportunities and government accountability on rising unemployment.

DYFI has announced further protests, calling for a statewide movement against police action and in favor of their demands. Meanwhile, opposition parties and civil rights groups have criticized the heavy-handed approach of the police, accusing the government of suppressing democratic protests.