Fernandes promises to take up Nandigram issue

Nandigram, Mar 17 (UNI) Alleging the CPI(M)-led West Bengal Government was torturing peasants and the poor, NDA convenor George Fernandes today said he would raise the issue of Nandigram at the ''appropriate forum.'' ''I promise the issue will be taken up at an appropriate forum. I saw women weeping...now you can see how they have been torturing the poor and the peasants,'' he told reporters after talking to the villagers of Sonachura in Nandigram area which bore the brunt of sustained political clashes and the police action on March 14.

Mr Fernandes was one of the ten-member NDA delegation that arrived here this morning on a fact finding mission following the police firing that left at least 14 killed and 71 injured.

Accusing the UPA Government at the Centre of giving indulgence to the CPI(M), Mr Fernandes said when the Congress-led coalition Government came at power, the CPI(M) had said it would not only act like a dog, barking at wrong doings of the Government, but would also bite if necessary. ''Now you know what they actually meant,'' he observed.

Mr Fernandes showered praises on the Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee for her movement to protect farmers' interests.''The CPI(M) wanted to finish her, but she is still fighting,'' he added.

UNI