Violence averted in Nandigram

Violence was averted on Monday in the trouble-torn Nandigram when police fired in the air to prevent around 50 CPI(M) supporters to enter Nandiagram from their stronghold in the Khejuri area.

On Sunday two people were killed when the supporters of Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee members clashed with the marauding CPI(M) cadres. While police on Sunday did not react, they prevented a collision on Monday.

The situation however is extremely tense in the area. Violence might break out any moment. Contrary to the perception of the administration that peace was slowly coming back in the area, the situation has once again turned volatile with fresh roads being dug up and grounds prepared for battle.

The CPI(M) alleged that many more of their supporters have been driven out of their homes. In villages like Sonachura and Garchakraberia many men members have deserted. Women have taken shelter far away fearing atrocities like the ones happening on March 14.

State’s Home Secretary PR Roy said that police will act in the area with restraint ad have bee asked not to over react. The central government was kept updated about the situation, he said.

In Kolkata, Trinamool Congress supporters organised road blockades at all the important crossing in the city for an hour since 11 am in protest against Sunday's violence at Nandigram.

Kolkata, already a hot spot of traffic snarls, got a taste of a worse situation. The agitators shouted slogans and prevented vehicular movement. Office goers and school children were greatly inconvenienced.