By IANS
New Delhi : The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Wednesday asked its government in West Bengal to ensure the induction of central security forces in Nandigram and said Maoists were behind the upsurge of violence in the area.
Alleging that the trouble in Nandigram was being projected as a land issue to cover the presence of Maoist rebels who were aiming at “the physical elimination of political opponents”, the CPI-M said: “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.”
In a statement, the party politburo reiterated that the CPI-M-led Left Front government had given up its plan to acquire land for a proposed chemical hub, but “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”.
The party alleged that the opposition Trinamool Congress and “some other forces” had combined to maintain their sway in the area in the guise of the Bhumi Ucchad Pratirodh Samiti (anti-land acquisition committee).
It said that Maoist rebels involved in the killing of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Sunil Mahato were also there in the area.
“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.”
Although some reports put Tuesday’s toll at 10, police confirmed the death of only four people – taking the toll in Nandigram to 32 since January when the region flared up over proposed land acquisition for a special economic zone (SEZ), including a chemical hub.
Though the SEZ was scrapped, a turf battle continued in Nandigram between the CPI-M and the Trinamool Congress supported BUPC in the run-up to the panchayat elections in May next year.