Kokata, India: April 14, 2008 – IT Summary -A group of people squatted on the railway tracks near Aranghata in the Ranaghat- Gede section between 8.35 am to 8.48 am where from the Moitree Express was to pass. The protest was to press their demand for rehabilitation of Bangladesh refugees, hence the goodwill train from India to Bangaldesh was delayed by a few minutes.

The External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee had flagged off the train from the newly-constructed Kolkata terminus.

When the Security forces accompanying the train came across the hurdle, they took control of the situation and forced the squatters to leave the track. After a few minutes, the train resumed upward journey after the blockade was lifted.  

PTI  Input

While the ER sources had earlier said that the squatters belonged to the 'Amra Bangalee,' police said they were activists of the Nikhil Banga Nagarik Sangha who had squatted on the tracks to demand rehabilitation of Bangladeshi refugees in India.

Reports from Nadia quoting District Superintend of Police H K Kusumakar said a total 87 people, including 11 women were arrested for blocking the train.

The arrested included two leaders of the outfit, he added.