Tribals raise fresh blockades at Bankura

Khatra(Bankura), Nov 24 (UNI) Tribals today raised fresh blockades on National Highway 32 adjoining Sarenga, Khatra and Barikul in West Bengal's Bankura district to protest against alleged police excesses at Lalgarh.

Similar blockades had been put up on November 21 on the highway, but were called off by the tribals yesterday.

Jharkhand Party chief Aditya Kisku today called for a 48-hour strike from November 28 in the three districts -- West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia, to protest the Lalgarh incidents.

District Magistrate(Bankura) Sundar Majumdar said talks were on between the protestors and administration to resolve the impasse.

Another blockade was organised this morning by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha(Soren Group) at Purulia Town in protest against the ''illegal'' acquisition of land from the tribals.

Later, it was withdrawn following an assurance from the police, DM(Purulia) Rajesh Yadav informed.

Meanwhile, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha(Soren Group) president Ajit Mahato threatened to resume the blockade after 72 hours if the demands, as given in the assurance, were not fulfilled.

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