Army pulls up Guild for token book fair

A day after authors organised a symbolic “book fair” on Maidan, its custodian, the Army, declared that the event was “unauthorised”. With no permission being sought from the Army, the Fort William authorities squarely blamed the Kolkata Police for “failing to prevent this unauthorised activity”. The Army sent a letter to the Commissioner of Kolkata police, saying such activities on Maidan, which has no clearance of the Army, should not be allowed in the future.

“No clearance was given to organise the ‘protest’ book fair. Neither have they approached us for permission. Wednesday’s event was clearly unauthorised and it is the duty of the police to keep a check on such unauthorised activities. The damage is done, but at least, the letter will serve as a reminder to the police of their lapses,” said Group Captain RK Das.