Jalpaiguri DM visits attack site of BJP leaders, overseas relief work
The Statesman | 10 October 2025Significantly, the Jalpaiguri police have stepped forward with a humanitarian initiative by setting up a community kitchen at Bamondanga to supply cooked food to flood victims, whose homes and belongings were washed away in the deluge.
As the administration continues relief operations across the flood and landslide-hit regions of Darjeeling hills, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and adjoining plains, several voluntary and charitable organisations have joined the effort. These include the Ramakrishna Mission, Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), ISKCON, as well as Anjuman-e-Islamia (Darjeeling), the All India Minority Organisation, and numerous local bodies providing relief from their own resources.
Political leaders, cutting across party lines, are also striving to reach out to the affected families. Public representatives from the disaster-hit areas have extended support for ensuring adequate relief to those in distress.
While Siliguri mayor Goutam Deb has been overseeing assistance efforts and monitoring the ground situation in Jalpaiguri and the plains of Darjeeling, Siliguri MLA Sankar Ghosh—who sustained injuries during the Bamondanga attack—has begun collecting relief materials and funds from his constituency for the victims, despite being advised rest by doctors.
Similarly, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has been on the ground since the first day of the disaster, visiting affected communities and coordinating relief operations.
On Thursday, Mr Bista undertook an extensive field visit to landslide-ravaged areas in the Sonada–Rungbull region, interacting with victims and assessing the situation first-hand. The landslides have wreaked havoc across Rungmook, Cedars Tea Garden, and several surrounding villages including Chandraman Dhura, Subba Gaon, Ratomatey, Moonda Khothi, Simkuna Forest, Basnet Gaon, Rai Gaon, Shirubari, Phulbari Hope Town, Miling Busty, Ringtong, and other hamlets.
Mr Bista began his visit from the residence of former Darjeeling MP RB Rai at Chandraman Dhura, Rungmook, where he discussed the prevailing conditions and strategies for relief and rehabilitation. A relief camp set up at Chandraman Dhura Primary School is currently sheltering 29 displaced families.
In Subba Gaon, under Chandraman Dhura, the destruction has been particularly severe. One house was completely swept away by torrential rain, while 28 others are in sinking zones, rendering them uninhabitable. These families have since been shifted to safer shelters.
Nearby Basnet Gaon has been declared a vulnerable zone, with 44 families seeking complete relocation. During his visit to Phulbari, Ringtong, Mr Bista met the bereaved family of Late Purasta Subba, who lost her life in the recent landslides. The MP noted that major cracks have appeared across the Phulbari area, making it highly unstable in the aftermath of the disaster. Several families have taken temporary refuge at the Phulbari Community Hall.
Calling for expedited allocation of land to facilitate timely reconstruction, Mr Bista said: “In these challenging times, we stand united with the people of Sonada, Rungmook, Cedars, Moonda, Ringtong, and surrounding areas. I extend my deepest gratitude to the volunteers, community members, and officials who are working tirelessly to provide relief.”
Meanwhile, in Mirik, the Mirik Runners Initiative organised a candlelight peace march in memory of those who lost their lives in the devastating landslides that struck the region last week. The march commenced from the Bypass and concluded at the Zambuling Gumba (Monastery), where participants offered prayers for the departed souls.
Students, residents, and members of various local organisations joined the solemn walk, expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims’ families. The event stood as a symbol of unity, resilience, and hope within the Mirik community—a poignant reminder of collective strength in the face of tragedy.
