2 killed, 2 injured in clashes at Nandigram

Nandigram (East Midnapur), Sep 8: Two persons, including a woman, died and two more sustained bullet injuries in an exchange of fire between supporters of the ruling CPM party and Bhumi Uchhhed Protirodh Committee(BUPC) at Nandigram in East Midnapur district of West Bengal last evening.

The district Superintendant of Police G Srinivas said the female victim, identified as Parbati Patra (55) of Simul Kundu village, was a CPI(M) supporter. Another person Sudhir Samanta(92) of Choturbhujchak village in Nandigram died under tension due to the prolonged exchange of fire.

A 10-year-old boy Mona Mandal of Gokulnagar village suffered bullet injuries and was shifted to SSKM Hospital at Calcutta where his condition was stated to be critical. The other person Sriram Paik (50) of Sherkhanchak village also a CPI(M) supporter received bullet injuries and had been admitted to Khejuri Hospital.

The CPI(M) party observed a protest day today condemning attack by BUPC supporters. The incident occurred when people from Gokulnagar village on the Khejuri side started assembling in Tekhalibazar on the Nandigram side yesterday afternoon. A clash broke out between the supporters of BUPC on the Nandigram side in Tekhali Bazar and the ruling CPI(M) supporters on the Khejuri side in Gokulnagar.

To counter the CPI(M)'s call for protest, the BUPC have decided to stage all out demostrations in front of all the district police stations today.

Apprehending untoward incident police tried to keep distance from both the rival blocks. However, the supporters on both the sides resorted to firing indiscriminately.

The clash is reportedly still continuing although a big police contingent had been rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control. No arrests have yet been made, the SP said.

UNI