West Bengal: Violence backtrack over Nandigram and Nasrin

Nov 21:   West Bengal backtracked to a violent situation after All India Minority Forum (AIMF) and Furfurasharif Muzadeddia Anath Foundation (FMAF) called for a bandh on Wednesday to protest against extension of Visa to Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin and Nandigram imbroglio on Wednesday.

The situation has taken a serious turn as many people are injured including the top police officials.

Taking note of the state of affair, the state government has asked for Army’s interference.

Protesters in the meantime had damaged several vehicles and burned CPI (M) party office in Kolkata.

The activist blocked roads, pelted stones and clashed with police, who used batons and teargas to disperse the protesters.

CPI-M is having turbulent solving the issue as the three of its ally Forward Bloc, CPI, RSP has blamed CPI-M for inciting the violence in Nandigram.

The statement said, “We don’t support the wanton violence as a means to find a solution in Nandigram. We are totally opposed to it. The CPI (M) alone is responsible for this unfortunate turn of affairs.”

Facing criticism from Congress and Trinamool Congress, the communist government is clueless about how to tackle the situation. Meanwhile, BJP has said that the party will send a team to evaluate the violence affected area.

Nandigram has echoed in the recent parliament session too. Yesterday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh before leaving for Singapore for the ASEAN and East Asia Summit broke his silence and lashes out the West Bengal government for not handling the Nandigram issue wisely.

He said, “Events in Nandigram have taken a most unfortunate turn. I condole the loss of lives and regret the destruction of property. I sincerely hope the State government will be able to take necessary steps to restore the confidence of the people through the effective deployment of security forces.”

Breaking his silence over the issue he said, “The duty of the state government is to protect people irrespective of their political affiliations.”

CPI-M hit back saying that Prime Minister should do the Prime Minister’s Job and not worry about Nandigram.