Nandigram turns violent again; 2 killed in gunfire

KOLKATA: The Nandigram issue just refuses to blow away. In yet another incident, on Tuesday, two persons were killed and eight injured as CPI(M) supporters exchanged fire with supporters of Trinamool Congress-backed outfit Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC) at the trouble-torn area.

Confirming the deaths, state home secretary PR Roy told newsmen in Kolkata that the barrage of fire had come from Khejuri, a CPI(M) stronghold, and was directed at Nandigram. Mr Roy also added that the clashes resulted “possibly because CPI(M) has gained some areas.”

The trouble started when CPI(M) activists traded gunfire with the BUP C supporters and exchanged several rounds of fire since early morning at Gokulnagar, Ranichak, Bhangaberia and Satengabari areas. The home secretary added that the Eastern Fronter Rifles (EFR) was in control of the vital Tekhalibazar bridge linking Sonachura and Nandigram. He said one EFR personnel had received bullet injuries in the hand and was admitted to hospital along with others who were wounded.

Following the clashes, there was an exodus from Satengabari and Ranichak villages. Mr Roy admitted the state government’s efforts to restore peace at Nandigram for the last three or four months had failed. “We asked the police not to take action all these days and tried to hold peace talks. But, the efforts so far seem to have been wasted,” he said.

He also said that the government was inquiring into a reported landmine blast in the area. “We have reports of a landmine blast, but there is no confirmation,” he said. Asked if Maoists could have had a hand in the reported landmine blast, he said, “if it is so, it has to be inquired into.” The areas rocked by violence looked like a “warfield”, Mr Roy said, adding that police have been deployed in large numbers in villages where violence broke out.