People's Democracy

AIDWA Concerned Over Nandigram Violence

AIDWA issued the following statement on March 22, 2007

THE AIDWA expresses deep sorrow over the loss of lives during the police action at Nandigram on the March 14, 2007 particularly the fact that one woman was killed, and several injured.

AIDWA is extremely concerned about the various reports appearing in the media and newspapers regarding sexual violence against women at Nandigram on that day. It has been alleged that a number of women were raped by some police personnel while police action was going on. It demands that an enquiry should be immediately launched by the state government to ascertain the facts regarding the reports, and if they are found to be true, severe action should be taken against the culprits, whosoever they may be.

It also expresses serious concern over the prevailing atmosphere of tension which has led to the disruption of normal life in the area for the last two -three months. This atmosphere of insecurity and tension has affected a large number of women who are living in camps, and cannot return home for fear of violence. Some cases of violence against women have also taken place during these few months, including the murder of a young girl, and the rape of a woman, which need to be investigated, and the culprits punished.

We call upon all the concerned people, the West Bengal government and political parties to ensure that normalcy is restored and there is no recurrence of such violence in that area.