People's Democracy

Nandigram: Check Maoist Violence

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on November 7, 2007.

THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses deep concern at the recurrence of violence in the Nandigram area of West Bengal. Despite efforts at disinformation, the actual situation there has become clear. For the past eight months, after the state government announced that there is no question of land acquisition for a chemical hub, an alliance of political forces have occupied the area and physically driven out all those who are identified with the CPI(M) and the Left. Under the guise of the Bhumi Ucchad Pratirodh Samiti, the Trinamul Congress and some other forces have combined to maintain their sway in the area.

In order to achieve their aims they have ganged up with the Maoists who have brought in armed squads from outside West Bengal. For the past few months the administration and the police have been out of the area which has been utilised by the armed elements led by the Maoists to entrench themselves. Bunkers have been built and landmines laid. One of the squads is led by Ranjit Pal who was involved in the killing of JMM MP, Sunil Mahato in Jharkhand. The Maoists’ role has been exposed by the landmine blasts which took place on November 6. Of the five landmines that were planted, three exploded, killing two persons. Such landmines are being used by the Maoists in Jharkhand and Chattisgarh.

Those who continue to project the trouble in Nandigram as a land issue are deliberately covering up these disruptive activities aimed at the physical elimination of political opponents. This cannot be allowed by any state government in a democratic society. The state government should ensure the induction of the Central security forces in the area to restore normality and peace.