Nandigram (West Bengal): A day after chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee addressed the Nandigram villagers, his partymen on Thursday thrashed an elderly couple at Southkhali village for refusing to join a CPM rally. The couple – sympathisers of Bhumi Uchchhed Pratirodh Committee – had to be hospitalised.
However, CPM’s Nandigram zonal committee secretary Ashok Bera said it was an "isolated and minor" incident. Asking his partymen not to treat Opposition members as enemies, Bera said, "We are trying to convince our supporters. But BUPC members are also creating trouble in many places. Opposition has a responsibility, too."
Thursday’s incident pointed to the volatile nature of the situation at ‘ground zero’. Said Ashok Munian, a BUPC member from Maheshpur village, "The CM is talking peace. But it must be translated at the ground level. We are still being threatened and assaulted by CPM cadres. How can peace return if such things continue?"
Meanwhile, cops and CRPF are carrying out raids to track arms and ammunition. "Fearing raids, people are dumping weapons in canals, bushes and then informing us," a senior police officer said.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
