Art 355 not a soultion to Nandigram carnage: Medha

Kolkata, Nov 8 (UNI) Human rights activist Medha Patkar today said invoking Article 355 of the Indian constitution is not a solution to the Nandigram problem.

Ms Patkar arrived in Kolkata this morning from Delhi by Sahara Airlines and headed for Nandigram.

Addressing the media at the 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 can't 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, she 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 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 the area.

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

UNI