After Kalimpong, demand for a separate Siliguri makes rounds

The arguments posed by those making the demand take into account Siliguri’s population, 15 lakh according to the 2011 census, when compared to the Kalimpong’s population of just 3 lakh and the fact that it is made out of four Assembly segments — Siliguri, Matigara-Naxalbari, Phansidewa and Dabgram-Fulbari.

“We welcome the chief minister’s decision to make Kalimpong a new district. At the same time, we would like to appeal to her to consider our demand also and create a separate district of Siliguri,” Sunil Sarkar, president of Brihattar Siliguri Nagarik Mancha, told mediapersons. Members of the outfit, set up around five years ago, also sought an appointment with Mamata during her ongoing trip.