'Art 355 not a solution to Nandigram carnage'

Kolkata, Nov 08: Human rights activist Medha Patekar today said invoking Article 355 of the Indian constitution is not a solution to the Nandigram problem.

Medha Patekar arrived in Kolkata today morning from Delhi by a Sahara Airlines and headed for Nandigram.

Addressing the media at teh airport, she said, "I am aware that police will stop me from entering Nandigram, but civil and human rights are being violated there and I cant stay away." Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee has demanded central intervention in the state under Article 355 to restore peace in Nandigram.

On Tuesday evening, Mamata led a joint team of the Trinamool Congress-led Krishi Jami Raksha Committee (KJRC) and Congress, to Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi with the demand for imposition of Article 355.

The Narmada Bachao Andolan leader reacting to the Ms Banerjee's comments, said "Invoking Article 355 is not a solution. If it is invoked civil rights of the people get affected." "We have to find peace in Nandigram. We have to stop the bloodshed. And we have to restore the human rights," she added.

She also lauded Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi's efforts to restore peace in Nandigram.

Nandigram is up in flames and in the last three days at least 4 people have died in Bhumi Uchched Protirodh Committee (BUPC) and CPI(M) clashes.

UNI