Centre trying to fulfil Soren's greater Jharkhand demand: LF

Kolkata, Nov 22 (UNI) Alleging that an attempt was being made to dismember West Bengal, the ruling Left Front today accused the UPA Government at the Centre of trying to fulfil the demand of Union Minister Shibu Soren for a greater Jharkhand.

'' The Centre is trying to meet the conditions put by Mr Shibu Soren when he extended support to the UPA Government,'' Left Front Chairman Biman Basu told reporters after a meeting of the coalition.

Referring to the tribal upsurge in West Midnapore district, the volatile situation in the Darjeeling hills and the demand for greater Coochbehar in North Bengal, Mr Basu alleged that different 'reactionary' forces were at work in the state to create an anarchy.

'' An effort is being made to bifurcate or trifurcate West Bengal.

Reactionary forces of the country and from abroad want anarchy to arise. For this, they are using the forces they consider appropriate,'' he said.

The Front Chairman said the meeting decided to launch a campaign among the people and mobilise them against this 'sinister' design.

However, admitting that backwardness contributed to the movement in West Midnapore, the Front urged the state Government to expedite development in the area. It also stressed the need for negotiated settlement of the problem.

UNI KDG KK LS PM1844