Forward Bloc calls West Bengal shutdown tomorrow

Kolkata, Feb 5 : The Forward Bloc, a member of the ruling Left Front in West Bengal, has called a day-long state-wide shutdown on Wednesday to register their protest against the killing of four of their activists in police firing during a party agitation in Cooch Behar District today.

The shutdown has been supported by the opposition parties, including Trinamool Congress, the Congress party and the Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI).

The All-India Forward Bloc said mass rallies would be organised in front of Sub-Divisional Offices (SDOs) across the State.

"The party will observe nationwide protest against the police brutality in West Bengal," the AIFB said in a press release.

Earlier today, four FB activists were killed and several others were injured when police opened fire on party supporters, who turned violent during an agitation programme at Dinhatta in Cooch Behar District.

FB workers indulged in violence and arson, injuring a dozen policemen outside SDO's office in Dinhatta.

The mob set a police vehicle on fire and damaged government property, a police official said.

A large police force has been deployed in the area, the official said adding that the situation was tense but under control.

Describing the police firing as 'barbaric and unprovoked,' AIFB General Secretary Debabrata Biswas said the incident would not only have its impact on the unity of the Left Front but all over the country.

The AIFB has demanded a judicial enquiry into the police firing and urged Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee to condemn the incident.

ANI