Bandh returns to Bengal after Nandigram violence

Kolkata, Jan 7 (UNI) The West Bengal Pradesh Congress today called a 24-hour Bangla bandh tomorrow, protesting against the last night's violence at Nandigram in West Midnapore district in connection with the alleged rumours regarding the governments forceful acqusition of farm land.

All India Trinamool Congress-supported Krishi Jami Raskya Committee (committee for protection of farm land) had also called a 12-hour statewide bandh from 0600 hours tomorrow, protesting against the alleged police atrocities on innocent farmers in Nandigram last night, violating the government's assurance for a peaceful resolution of the situation.

WBPCC General Secretary Manas Bhuinyan and opposition leader and senior TMC leader Partho Chatterjee announced their respective party's decision for tomorrow's 'Bangla Bandh in separate news conferences here today.

Lambasting the state govt and the law enforcing agencies for violating the peaceful atmosphere at Nandigram since last night, which was already simmering in tension because of the rumours about the forceful acqusition of nearly 22,000 acres of multiple crop land at Nandigram, liker Singur, in the name of industrialisation.

The situation in the area turned worse after midnight last night when thousands of rival party workers belonging to CPI(M), Congress and Trinamool assembled there despite the presence of strong police force.

Soon it became free for all situation with the supporters of rival parties lobbing bombs and firing at each other, forcing the police to intervene.

It was also alleged that police resorted to lobbing of several rounds of tear gas shells and fired a few rounds, injuring people.

However, unofficial reports say at least three people were killed while the Congress claim that at least ten protestors have lost their lives either in police firing or in mob fury.

Policemen had been posted in the spot to prevent further recurrence of violence. Meanwhile, frustration prevailed among the general public in the state following the announcement of bandh, the third within one month.

UNI