KJRC blocks Durgapur Expressway to protest HC ruling on Tatas'

Hooghly, Feb 8 (UNI) Traffic was disrupted for three hours on the Durgapur Expressway, main connector between Kolkata and Bardhaman, as the Singur Krishi Jami Raksha Committee (SKJRC) blocked the road today.

The committee organised the blockade demanding the return of their land that was "forcefully" acquired by the West Bengal government for the Tata's Small Car Factory.

The demonstration, initially called indefinitely, was withdrawn after three hours after an amicable discussion with the district administration.

Superintendent of Police Rajib Mishra said the agitators had a discussion with the officials, including the Executive Magistrate, and agreed to call off the blockade.

A 500-strong group of farmers, led by SKJRC convener Becharam Manna and Singur AITC MLA Rabindranath Bhattacharya, had earlier gathered at the busy Khasherchak Beltala road protesting against Calcutta High Court verdict that the land acquisition by the state government for the Tata's project was not illegal.

They had also said they would continue the road blockade until their demands were met.

Executive Magistrate Surya Kumar Karmakar said some demonstators were arrested and released soon after on bail.

Trucks going to the Tata's Small Car Unit were stopped, along with all other vehicles.

However, ambulances and other emergency service vehicles were allowed to proceed during the blockade.

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