MUKESH SHARMAKalimpong, September 02:

The Janmukti Karmachari Sangathan (JKS) today called off their indefinite Dharna which had commenced since Friday demanding justice to the Cooperative Bank employee, Lakshmi Prasad Mukhia. The decisionto withdraw came after a 9hours meet between the Bank officials, JKS, Sub divisional administration and the GJM held yesterday.The JKS President Khadka Bikram Subba informing about the
 same said that the Bank officials through a written statement have declared the dismissal of Mukhia as unjustified and has further assured of providing all the necessary facilities by the Bank. The Bank officials further had appealed the JKS to call off the Dharna.Mukhia’s dismissal order was passed by the Bank’s special officer, hence, the JKS during the meet produced the order issued by the Cooperative Bank Registrar vide Memo No.5491(25)/ IV-3427/11 dated 13.06.2012 which states that the special officer does not have any right or power to employ or dismiss an employee. 5 GTA councilors Nima Tamang, Sunil Pradhan, Kalpana Tamang, Kalyan Dewan and Samuel Gurung were present during the meeting supporting the JKS. Looking at the heated situation of the meet, the Kalimpong ASP along with the Thana In-charge and Police team had also reached the meeting place. “It is the win of the public,” said the JKS. The Sangathan has further demanded a formation of a new board of the Cooperative Bank, as soon as possible. They also cautioned the Bank officials not to exploit or trouble the employees. However, the JKS realizing that their Dharna had caused inconvenience to the Bank’s customers have also asked for an apology from the people.It may be recalled that Mukhia a Cooperative Bank employee was terminated from his services on the grounds of irregularity by the special officer of the Bank vide Memo No.339/2012-13/DDCCB dated23.07.2012. The JKS had raised concern over the issue and had enquired the Bank on what basis the dismissal was made.