CPIM to begin land campaign from tomm

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has decided to launch a 45-day statewide campaign from Monday in favour of industrialization to preempt unrest over land acquisition in West Bengal.

The move comes as a damage control measure following the violence in Nandigram that claimed seven lives after a notification for identification of the land for the special economic zone (SEZ) to be set up by the Salim Group was placed.

Chief minister Buddhadev Bhattacharya and state CPIM secretary Biman Bose reviewed the situation in Nandigram with party leaders from East Midnapore at the Alimuddin Street headquarters yesterday.

It was decided at the meeting that the CPIM would publish a booklet for distribution on the need for industrialisation and the "unnecessary'' controversy arising out of protests by the opposition.

The party will launch a campaign across the state from January 15 to February 28.

"Our focus will be on convincing the masses that Bengal will survive only if industry flourishes. The campaign will explain to the people what for industry is needed, what rehabilitation will be offered and all other details," Bose said.