Trinamool pre-planned Nandigram violence : CPI(M)

Kolkata, Apr 30 (UNI) Accusing Ms Mamata Banerjee of whipping up unrest and subverting law and order in West Bengal, the CPI(M) today alleged that yesterday's violence in Nandigram was a pre-planned act of the Trinamool Congress.

Party's state Secretary Biman Basu alleged, in the first official reaction to the incident, that two persons were killed, three abducted and 500 more people rendered homeless as Trinamool activists went on a rampage, targetting CPI(M) men.

'' The plan for yesterday's violence was hatched when Ms Banerjee visited Garchakraberia in Nandigram to address a rally on April 25. The Trinamool Congress sent letters to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking central intervention within two hours of the incident. It proves that the incident was pre-planned and there were prior preparations,'' Mr Basu told a press conference.

Yesterday, Ms Banerjee held Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee ''solely responsible'' for the violence and alleged that the violence was triggered by CPI(M) cadres from outside Nandigram.

However, levelling a counter charge, Mr Basu said the Trinamool leadership was evading all-party meetings, convened by the Government to restore peace in the area, and was frustrating all efforts to restore peace and establish rule of the law even after the Chief Minister assured that no land would be taken for industry in Nandigram.

''The Trinamool leadership wants to subvert law and order by creating lawlessness. It is indulging in major provocations, targetting the CPI(M). But we have to isolate this force from the people,'' he said.

While regretting the March 14 police firing in which at least 14 people were killed, Mr Basu said notwithstanding the incident holding dialogues was the only way to come to a negotiated settlement on the issue as peace and development continued to elude Nandigram.

The CPI(M) leader alleged that yesterday armed Trinamool men attacked 300 houses, looted 15 and set ablaze one. They also allegedly beat up six women, among others, who had been admitted to hospital with injuries.

UNI