Violence continues to paralyze normal life in Nandigram

NI Wire

Kolkata

Sat, 16 Jun 2007: 

June 16: The violence in Nandigram is not taking any back track at all; instead the situation there is worsening with every passing day. Theestart of violence yesterday is in a continuation today and hence impairing the peace process.

On Thursday, the state government in a status report placed before the Division Bench, had claimed that no major incidents had taken place in Nandigram after May 16 and the situation was gradually improving and under control.

But it did not took long when the claim made by the state government proved to be nothing but a diplomatic answer. It was around 10.30 in the morning, when the CPI (M) supporters, trying to head for Sonachura crossing, the Bhangabera bridge, were confronted with firm resistance by BUPC supporters, resulting in a violent clash.

The tension spread to the Gokulnagar area where the violent mob ransacked the police camp at the local Higher Secondary school. The tension also spread to Ranichowk, where relief camps were attacked and vandalised. Following the flare up, there was an exodus of residents from the area.

“The mob had snatched rifles from the Gokulnagar police camp,” said police sources.

As many as twenty policemen were injured including a sub-inspector and one civilian in the clashes between the supporters of CPI (M) and Bhumi Ucched Protirodh Committee.

After being hit by a bullet, the sub-inspector of Nandigram police station was brought over to SSKM hospital in the evening. Doctors said his condition is serious. Confirming the incident, IG (Law and Order) Raj Kanojia said the police forces have been alerted.

“There is considerable tension and if required, we will mobilise more forces,” Raj Kanojia said.

With violence continuing in Nandigram, two more persons were injured in the morning today, in an hour long cross firing between anti-displacement Bhumi Uchched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC) and the CPI (M) at Tekhali Bazar.

The Superintendent of police, East Midnapur, G.Srinivas said firing erupted at Tekhali Bazar between supporters of the two parties at around 10 a.m. and lasted for about an hour.

The two injured persons were rushed to the Nandigram Primary Health Centre, he said.

Four policemen, including an enforcement branch inspector, were seriously injured on Friday in bomb blast and firing by the Trinamool Congress backed BUPC near Sonachurra.

Ashok Guria, member of the CPI (M) backed Krishak Sabha, said the firing was resorted to ward off BUPC supporters who wanted to occupy Khejuri, a CPI (M) stronghold.

The BUPC members were on way to Khejuri when they were stopped by CPI (M) supporters at Tekhali Bazar. BUPC convenor, Sheikh Sufiyan claimed that four of his supporters were injured in the consequent firing.