Clashes, fire and bandh keeps Nandigram simmering

East Midnapore, Jan 08 (UNI) At least four policemen were injured when Dinabandhupur, near Nandigram, turned into a battleground with villagers and the security forces fighting a pitched battle early today, even as the area observed complete bandh today. Bhumi Rakha Pratirodh Committee (Save Land Committee) supporters brickbatted the policemen, who had gone there to rescue two of their counterparts reportedly held by the committee members at Dinabandhupur.

Police said four of their officials were injured in the rampant stone pelting. The local villagers alleged that police fired four rounds in air.

Committee members denied taking policemen as hostage and said they were discussing the situation with the them. The situation at Nandigram had remained very tense following the incident.

The CPI(M) party office at log-gate in Dinabandhupur was set ablaze early today, police said.

Most of the roads leading to Nandigram and Dinabandhupur area were blocked and dug out. Trenches were dug and boulders and felled trees were used to make the roads unmotorable.

Nandigram, Dinabdhupur and Sonachura remained off-limits to the outsiders.

The bandh was total at Nandigram with shops remaining closed.

Vehicles were also off the road. The Opposition parties had called the bandh on the issue of farmland acquisition for industry and the violence on Saturday night that left seven dead, several injured and at least 10 missing.

UNI