Intellectuals condemn Nandigram incidents of West Bengal

New Delhi, Nov 14 (UNI) Strongly denouncing the horrifying violence ''unleashed on the peasants and people of Nandigram in West Bengal'', 80 renowned intellectuals here today demanded an unconditional apology from the CPI(M) leadership and an end to the undemocratic actions of their cadres.

In a statement issued here, the group said the manner in which the anti-socials of the dominant party attacked the residents to re-establish the domination over the area exposes the party's lack of commitment to democratic values, principles and norms.

The assault by the anti-socials carrying the Red flag on a group of reputed social activists, writers, intellectuals and artists led by Medha Patkar, who were on a visit to Nandigram, to find out first hand what was going on and express their solidarity with the hapless residents evicted from their hearths and homes was condemnable.

''The events in Nandigram are inconsistent with the norms of democratic functioning claims of creating an alternative political culture and the traditions of Bengali culture,'' they said.

The state government should convey its sincere apology to the people of Nandigram and to the group of citizens led by Medha Patkar that was trying to vist the area, they stated.

The group also appealed to all democratic forces, representing various shades of opinion, to stand up and defend the very edifice of democracy ''which is in peril by taking whatever action they can wherever they are.'' UNI