Violence in Nandigram leaves three injured

Midnapore, Mar 9 (UNI) A fifteen-year-old girl and two men were seriously wounded in gun firing between rival activists of CPI(M) and Bhumi Uchhed Protirodh Committee today at Sonachura village in West Bengal's strife-torn Nandigram of this district, police said.

Tension was brewing since early morning after a mob of 200, armed with weapons, from both sides took position at Nandigram and Khejuri to lord over some disputed sites for Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Superintendent of Police, Midnapore East, G Srinivas said.

The temper went up by afternoon and firing started for a brief period at 1200 hrs in which Jharna Kajli, a school student, was hit on her right arm by a bullet.

However, how the two men got injured was yet to be ascertained.

All three were admitted to a local health centre at Nandigram in critical condition, eye witnesses said.

The police were yet to arrive at the scene of violence as all roads leading to Sonachunra were dug up by protestors some months ago.

Meanwhile, a Congress peace procession led by Manas Bhunia, Somen Mitra and Abdul Mannan entered into Nandigram this morning.

Mr Srinivas said the situation was tense but under control.

UNI