Another flare-up in Nandigram

Violence continued unabated in Nandigram today too, with fresh clashes erupting between the Trinamool Congress-backed Bhumi...

Violence continued unabated in Nandigram today too, with fresh clashes erupting between the Trinamool Congress-backed Bhumi Ucched Pratatirodh Committee BUPC and the CPIM in various areas.

Shops and houses in Tekhalibazar were ransacked by the feuding mob. As the police, stood by as mute spectators, local leaders blamed each other for the violence.

8220;Things are yet to calm down in Nandigram despite our best efforts. Though we are trying to make the two parties sit for a dialogue, there are highly dangerous armed groups, some of which backed my Maoists, who are engaging in firing and bombings in the area,8221; said Raj Kanojia, IG, Law and Order, state police.

Chief Secretary Amit Kiran Deb had already said the government was trying to arrange for further rounds of all-party meetings to solve the impasse.

Clashes broke out since morning at Tekhali Bazar, Bhangaberia, Satengabari, and other areas as villagers started leaving homes for work. The opposing parties hurled crude bombs at each other and exchanged gunfire. A number of shops and huts were ransacked in Tekhali Bazar.

Around 10 am, when the police were escorting a group of villagers to their homes at Bhargunje, they were attacked by groups of miscreants near Tekhali Bazar.

8220;We will continue our retaliation until CPIM stops this violence. They are trying to gain ground at the areas bordering Nandigram and Khejuri. But our villagers are giving them a befitting reply. Today, they attacked Tekhali Bazar and ransacked various houses,8221; said Sisir Adhikary, MLA and district Trinamool Congress leader heading the BUPC.

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The CPIM, on their part, blamed the BUPC and TMC for trying to gain ground in areas like Khejuri, targeting their relief camps.

8220;They are attacking our camps and huts of the people loyal to us in Khejuri, ransacking them. The situation is turning worse day by day. This matter was discussed in a party meeting yesterday in Tamluk, which was chaired by our state committee secretary Biman Bose,8221; said Ashok Guria, CPIM zonal committee member.