Forward Bloc to oppose SEZ in Bengal

Kolkata, Feb 6(UNI) Rumblings over land acquisition within the ruling Left Front came to the fore today when the Foward Bloc threatened to block SEZs and the move to amend the Land Ceiling Act.

''We are opposed to setting up of SEZs and we shall not allow it.

Also under no circumstances shall we support raising the land ceiling for industry, '' party's state Secretary Ashok Ghosh said.

Addressing a press conference, he said the Forward Bloc would launch a sustained campaign against SEZ throughout the state tomorrow.

The party's two-day state committee and state secretariat meetings, which concluded yesterday, also vehemently opposed setting up of SEZs whether in agricultural or non-agricultural land anywhere in the country.

The party, second major partner of the Front, observed that creation of SEZs like the ones to be developed by the Indonesian Salim Group in East Midnapore and South Twentyfour Parganas district would not only spell economic imbalance, but also endanger the country's sovereignty and food security.

Referring to the Land Ceiling Amendment Bill, now lying with the Select Committee of the West Bengal Assembly, Mr Ghosh said the party was totally opposed to raising the cap since it would spell doom for farmers.

'' Being in the power for so many years we can not change the law that we enacted in the interest of farmers, '' he said.

To a question, whether Forward Bloc would vote against the Bill in the Assembly, Mr Ghosh said, '' The question does not arise since we would not allow the things to go to such a pass. '' Emphasising that the state Government prepare a land use map, Mr Ghosh said no farm land should be taken for setting up of industries.

To another question, Mr Ghosh said the Singur problem should be settled and the Government should withdraw prohibitory orders under Section 144 Cr P C ''as a gesture''.

UNI