NHRC issues notice to WB Chief Secretary on Nandigram violence

New Delhi, Nov 12(UNI) The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the West Bengal Chief Secretary, directing him to submit a factual report within ten days on the conditions prevailing in Nandigram and the areas around it.

A team of the Investigation Division of the Commission would also visit the disturbed areas in Nandigram to study the situation there and suggest remedial measures.

The Commission has further requested the Home Affairs Ministry Secretary to take all necessary steps to restore peace in the area, protect human life, dignity and property and submit an action taken report within two weeks.

The Commission's move comes on a petition filed by advocate Sanjay Parikh, who said the disturbed and volatile conditions in and around Nandigram were likely to result in grave violation of human rights.

He also forwarded to the Commission a message received from social activist Medha Patkar, requesting urgent intervention.

According to the message, a war-like situation was prevailing due to presence of thousands of CPM cadres surrounding Nandigram from at least three sides. Senior Police officers were present in the area and seemed to support their programme to attack Nandigram.

Ms Patkar expressed fear that the condition prevailing in Nandigram might lead to serious and unprecedented bloodshed. She also expressed apprehension whether the State government would be willing to stop the violence or not.

The petitioner asked for every possible move to compel the West Bengal government and the ruling party to withdraw the gherao around Nandigram.

The Commission had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of an incident in March this year in which some people had died in police firing.

UNI