CPI-ML condemn killing of farmers at Nandigram

New Delhi, Jan 7 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) today strongly condemned the killing of seven farmers protesting against forcible acquisition of land at Nandigram in West Bengal.

CPI-ML General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said an undeclared emergency-like situation existed in West Bengal and the state government should cancel the acquisition of land.

The culprits who were involved in the attack must be brought to book, said Mr Bhattacharya in a statement.

''The fact that the ruling CPI-M is using its cadre to attack the peasants, who are unwilling to give their lands to the Salem Group, is bound to have dangerous consequences for the people's struggle and Left movement in the future,'' he added.

The party also urged the West Bengal Government to immediately release the six leaders, including comrade Shankar Mitra, who were arrested by the police for leading the agitation.

The All India Students' Association(AISA) will stage a protest march from Shivaji Stadium in Central Delhi to the office of the Resident Commissioner of the West Bengal Government tomorrow at 1500 hrs.

The AISA was demanding the release of Mitra, Jitendra and Maloy, students of Jamia Millia Islamia and Jadavpur University respectively, who were nabbed by the police at Nandigram.

UNI