Violence continues in Nandigram

Violence flared up again today at Nandigram, the site of violent protests over the proposed acquisition of land for a special economic zone. Bombs were hurled, gunshots fired and people beaten up in the area.

Since last night, bombs were being hurled from Khejuri towards Nandigram and gunshots were heard in Kedorabarchak area.

Sporadic clashes have occurred since Friday night at Nandigram between supporters of the CPI-M and the Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee (BUPC), which is spearheading the protest against land acquisition for a SEZ to be set up there by Indonesia's Salim group.

Satyen Karan, a resident of Dangra, was beaten up when he went to Tekhali Bazar yesterday and found his shop being looted. Karan, who filed a complaint with the police, was admitted to a primary health centre at Nandigram.

Amalendu Maity, who was injured by armed persons yesterday, was released after first-aid. He also told the police about the attack.

Houses were set ablaze, shops were looted and some people were reported missing from the area yesterday.

The BUPC today organised a procession in Tekhali bazaar to protest the looting of shops and damage to property yesterday.

BUPC convenor Sheikh Sufiyan today vowed that the body would resist attempts by the CPI-M to foment trouble in the area.

He said 11 shops were looted in Tekhali Bazar yesterday.

BUPC members alleged that a mob of 200 to 300 CPI-M supporters set ablaze four houses, including a bakery at Tekhali Bazar village, where jewellery and garment shops were looted.