Nandigram tense; another CPI(M) activist killed

Nandigram, Aug 7 (UNI) Within 24 hours of the killing of CPI(M)'s Rajaramchak local committee secretary Niranjan Mandal, another party activist was today shot dead at Gadupara, while armed encounters were still on between the rival parties at Gokulnagar, Sonachura, Bhangabera and Adhikarypara areas here.

Superintendent of Police, East Midnapore, S S Panda said CPI(M) supporter Dulal Gadu was shot dead when he was participating in a procession.

Armed encounters were still raging between the rival parties at Gokulnagar, Sonachura, Bhangabera and Adhikarypara areas in Nandigram, Mr Panda added.

The SP, along with Inspector General of Police (Western Range) Kuldeep Sinha and DIG, Midnapore, Praveen Kumar, rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation.

It had been a free for all in Nandigram since this morning with both warring groups firing and bombing at each other indiscriminately.

On Tuesday, CPI(M)'s Sonachura local committee secretary Jaideb Pyke was critically injured when unidentified gunmen fired at him.

IG Western Range Kuldeep Singha and DIG Midnapur Range Praveen Kumar had reached the spot to make on the spot study of the volatile situation.

Mr Panda admitted that both CPI(M) and BUPC activists resorted to firing at each other.

The Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) and a heavy police contingent had been deployed even as tension prevailed in the area.

Abu Taher, local BUPC leader, alleged that three BUPC activists received bullet injuries and one of their workers Bibhas Mandal had been kidnapped by the CPI(M).

Ashok Guria, secretary of the zonal committee of the CPI(M), alleged that the CPI(M) supporters had started fleeing the area since this morning after today's incident.

Meanwhile, the 24-hour bandh call, given by the CPI(M), Trinamool Congress as well as the Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC), affected life in Nandigram.

Roads were deserted, ferry service between Nandigram and Haldia was suspended and business and educational institutions remained closed. Offices registered poor attendance.

UNI XC SJC PK RK1850