Tribals,CPM men trade gunfire

Tribals and CPM cadres today exchanged fire at Madhupur,bordering Lalgarh and Salboni,in West Midnapore district. Both sides have blamed each other for the violence,in which one person sustained injuries.

Tribals and CPM cadres today exchanged fire at Madhupur,bordering Lalgarh and Salboni,in West Midnapore district. Both sides have blamed each other for the violence,in which one person sustained injuries.

I have heard a clash has taken place in the Madhupur area. I am looking into it, said Manoj Verma,Police Superintendent of West Midnapore district. Madhupur is a strategic point that controls access to the Lalgarh area.

The police and armed CPM cadres attacked us. They wanted to gain control of the strategic area and enter Lalgarh. Our supporters opposed and the clash started, said Chattradhar Mahato,convenor of the Peoples Committee against Police Atrocities.

The police were on a routine patrol in Madhupur. When they returned,the tribals and Maoists attacked our supporters in the area. Our cadres opposed it and we were shot at, said Dipak Sarkar,the CPM district secretary of West Midnapore.

Meanwhile,the tribals have started putting up bamboo drop gates and check-posts to prevent policemen from entering into the area.

We are ready. Let them come in. We know both the police and armed CPM cadres are trying to enter our area. The people will not allow this, added the tribal leader.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram