Bullets fly at Mamata's convoy on way to Nandigram

Nandigram, Oct 28 (UNI) Bullets flew at AITC supremo Mamata Banerjee's unescorted convoy, when she was on her way here to initiate an indefinite sit-in strike on Tekhali bridge between Khejuri and Nandigram.

Mamata's convoy was stopped on the Tekhali bridge when she tried to cross over to Nandigram after bullets hit it from the Khejuri side from the right side of her car.

She, however, alighted and collected a few of the bullets, lying in front of her convoy and showed them to media persons present there. She showed that they were of the .303 series, the type used by the police force.

Incidentally, there was neither any police pilot car before her convoy nor was a single policeman present at the scene. She was guarded by only her personal bodyguards.

Shubhendu Adhikary, MLA and AITC leader, told mediapersons that he had already informed the SP of East Midnapore district of her tour to the district.

As Mamata could not enter Nandigram through the Tekhali bridge, thousands of villagers braved the bullets to give her company in the sit-in strike.

Meanwhile, Asoke Guria local CPI(M) leader in Khejuri, however, denied any firing from Khejuri side on Mamata's convoy. The situation continued to be grave as night dawned over the area. A few policemen, staying in a camp under the Tekhali bridge came up and took position in the bunkers. However, the firing from the Khejuri side still continued.

Meanwhile, Mamata has begun a sit-in strike here at Gokulnagar, demanding an assurance from the Union Home Ministry for steps to be taken against the CPI(M) men who fired at BUPC activists from the Khejuri side.

The AITC supremo said she had faxed a message to the Union Home Minister as well as the President informing them about the situation here.

Earlier, Ms Banerjee went to Abdul Kaji Kayum's house, who was killed in yesterday's firing in Garchakraberia. She also visited Sonachura earlier.

UNI