Mamata sticks to Governor-brokered peace talks

Kolkata, May 8 (UNI) Reiterating that only a call by the Governor could take her to the negotiation table on the Nandigram issue, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee today demanded a "guarantee" from the Left Front Government against any further "mass killing".

"We want peace and development in Nandigram. But we are for an all-party meeting, convened by the Governor where Government representatives should be present. But we will be there only if the Government guarantees that there will be no further mass killing and that the decisions taken at the meeting will be implemented," she said while addressing a press conference.

Virtually turning down the Left Front proposal for involving smaller partners of the ruling coalition in the proposed peace talks with the Trinamool Congress, Ms Banerjee wanted to know whether the constituents like the RSP and the Forward Bloc were empowered to implement decisions towards restoration of peace in Nandigram.

"Since the responsibility of any follow up action lies with the Government machinary, it should be made clear whether these parties have the official authorisation for holding talks on behalf of the Government and implementing decisions that might be taken in the meeting," she said.

Being unable to make the Trinamool Congress fall in line for taking part in all-party meetings, perceived to most important for restoration of normalcy in Nandigram, the Left Front decided at its meeting yesterday that not only the CPI(M), but any Front partner was free to initiate dialogues with the opposition party.

Making clear that she had little faith in the sincerity of the CPI(M)-led Government for restoration of normalcy in the embattled Nandigram, Ms Banerjee said it was her apprehension that the call for attending the all-party meet was nothing but a "show off".

"The Government is giving calls for all-party meetings on one hand and it is going back on its words on the other. Though I called off my fast on an assurance by the Government, but immediately after that prohibitory orders were clamed in Singur and work started for erection of boundary wall around the acquired land of the Tatas," she alleged.

The Trinamool chief categorically said her party would continue agitation at Singur against setting up of the Tata Motors' small car factory on agricultural land.

She also demanded the Government to ensure that those evicted from Nandigram were back to home and arrangements made for their livelihood.

UNI