COLOMBO: Calcutta is in fear and panic [March 15]. Threats by Marxists that strikes, martials and violent disturbances will follow the resignation of Mr Ajoy Mukherjee, Chief Minister, had made non-Bengalis nervous. Deputy Chief Minister and Marxists leader Mr Jyoti Basu has reiterated that people in West Bengal would rise if the United Front Government was toppled. Mass movements of non-Bengalis from likely troubled spots have been reported. ... The Indian Government has alerted the Eastern Army Command to be in readiness to intervene and quell Marxist-sponsored riots.

While the exit of Mr Mukherjee is considered a certainty, Mr Krishna Menon, former Defence Minister, rushed to Calcutta in a last-minute bid to save the West Bengal Government. ... Mr Menon was hopeful of saving the Government.

Mr Ajoy Mukherjee told newsmen that he would resign on or before March 16. — Correspondent

[Meanwhile, as reported by an agency in Lahore,] The Executive Council of the PUJ which met here yesterday [March 14] urged the PFUJ to serve strike notice on the employers for the realisation of four point demands.

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2020