Medha seeks Governor's immediate intervention in Nandigram

Kolkata, Nov 9 (UNI) Social activist Medha Patekar today sought immediate intervention of West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi for restoring peace in strife-torn Nandigram.

Severely condemning the attack on her, Ms Patekar told newsmen that she and her associates were manhandled yesterday allegedly by CPI(M) workers when they were en route to embattled Nandigram.

'' This is shameful, unconstitutional and undemocratic. I am shocked by the apathy, inaction and both direct and indirect support of police to the CPI(M) hooligans. This bears an ample testimony to complete breakdown of the state machinery, '' she said.

'' I am urging the Governor and the Centre to open up Nandigram by ensuring withdrawal of siege and prevention of outsiders from entering Nandigram, '' she said.

The peaceful defenders of human rights belonging to people's organisations should be allowed and protected and their entry to Nandigram area should be facilitated, Ms Patekar demanded.

'' We hope all the concerned and progressive citizens, civil organisations as well as political parties would protest the onslaught on Nandigram, forcible occupation of their territory and violation of basic human rights and civil liberties, '' she stated.

'' We call upon all like-minded people irrespective of political or any other affiliations to join our mass rally on November 14 to stall this fascist attack in Nandigram by the state government and restoration of a healthy civil society, '' she said.

A galaxy of intellectuals - social activist Anuradha Talwar, APDR activist Sujata Bhadra, educationist Sunanda Sanyal and dramatis personae Bibhas Chakravarty - were present in the press meet.

UNI