Biman describes Basanti incident as "unfortunate"

Kolkata, May 14 (UNI) Left Front Chairman and CPI(M) State Committee Secretary Biman Bose today described as ''unfortunate'' the clash in South 24 Parganas during the second phase three-tier Panchayat election.

In a statement, Mr Bose said, '' I have heard of the incident.

This is very unfortunate. It should not have taken place. Whether there was any seat adjustment or not, the Left Front constituents should have shown more restraint. '' Mr Bose also appealed to all to endeavour to bring peace in the troubled areas.

'' In West Bengal, there is unity among the Front partners. The Panchayat election is not everything. We will discuss the matter after the poll and chalk out our plans and programmes accordingly.

The Front is here to stay in the state, '' he iterated.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Raj Kanojia said three people were killed and five injured when supporters of the RSP and CPI(M) clashed with bombs at Talda under Basanti police station in South 24 Parganas district.

A youth was killed when the bomb he was carrying went off at Domjur in Howrah district. A child died when another bomb exploded near him in Panchla in the same district. His mother was standing in a queue at a polling booth when the bomb exploded.

Mr Kanojia said several houses were burnt down in retaliation as RSP supporters went on a rampage at Basanti following the death of partymen.

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