Land loss rage: Bengal hamlet boils under calm cover

People have been killed in mass protests against an unwanted infra project in Bhangar

After a day of pitched battle against the state administration and the ensuing standoff which has led to the postponing of land acquisition for a controversial power grid project, Bhangar, 40 km from here, has distanced itself from the world.

Felled logs barricade the asphalt roads, cut in places to trap vehicle wheels. Locals keep a watch for any unknown face. Protest marches are doing the rounds in adjoining villages near the power substation, with the leaders demanding withdrawal of the project and returning the land. Nearly all shops, banks and garages in the area remain closed. The law enforces have