Forward Bloc's fresh threat for agitation on Dinahata firing

Coochbehar, Feb 11 (UNI) The Forward Bloc today renewed its tirade against its own Left Front Government threatening fresh agitations if the policemen, who were involved in the firing that killed five partymen at Dinhata, were not punished by February 29.

All India Forward Bloc secretary Debabrata Biswas also demanded immediate unconditional release of its 40 supporters, now in police custody after Dinhata incident, and withdrawal of cases against 17 other partymen.

Tuesday's police firing had killed five AIFB men, who were agitating near the SDO office at Dinhata, Coochbehar district, and a National Voluntary Force man succumbed to injuries in the clashes.

Police have lodged cases against 57 Bloc supporters for arsons and violence.

Mr Biswas said if the party's demands--release of all Bloc supporters arrested after Dinhata incident and punishment to the policemen for firing - were not conceded by February 29, then it would launch state-wide movement in front of offices of the district magistrate and police super.

A state-wide silent procession to mourn the deaths of people would also be observed tomorrow, he said to his partymen and in a district secretariat meeting today.

The Bloc would also discuss the Dinhata firing incident at its 3-day national council meeting to be at Nagpur from February 15, Mr Biswas said.

Mr Biswas today visited the houses of the five slain party members and handed over a cheque of Rs 3 lakh each to the bereaved families. Another Rs 5000 each was also given on behalf of TUCC, labour wing of the Bloc.

He said a district wide campaign would be launched in Coochbehar from February 15 to 29 to make people aware of the contribution of the ''Martyrs''.

UNI XC PC SB KN2325