Nandigram, which has been on the boil once again, got a Diwali respite as CPIM workers and land acquisition activists reached a truce on Thursday even as the West Bengal government announcing compensation packages worth Rs 2 lakh each to families of the dead besides promising action against those responsible.
The situation in Nandigram has worsened in the last few days, with apprehensions of fresh violence and tension in the area and the CPIM grassroot began fresh moves to ensure their footprint there. Following an initiative by local authorities, the state government on Thursday claimed that a compromise had been worked out to avoid further escalation of violence. As part of the understanding, the police have decided to delay their entry into Nandigram for some time yet, following which they would set up camps and begin police patrolling.
According to news agency reports, chief secretary A K Deb told reporters that the families of each of 14 victims, who had died in police firing in Nandigram, would get the compensation. The government also decided to consider demands by Trinamoool Congress-backed outfit Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee agitating against acquisition of farmland for industries for payment of compensation to the injured in the March 14 violence and separation of Nandigram from Haldia Development Authority, besides withdrawing false cases against the BUPC, Deb said. The decisions were taken in accordance with the resolutions adopted at all-party meetings at Nandigram in September and October, he said.
Deb also said that a truce was reached on Thursday at a local-level meeting at Nandigram organised by the district administration between CPI(M) and BUPC with the warring sides agreeing to lay down arms. The chief secretary said the situation had worsened in the last few days, prompting the district administration to organise the local-level peace initiative. Asked when the CRPF sought by the state government would reach Nandigram, Deb said ?there is no such report right now.? .
Meanwhile, social activist Medha Patkar was assaulted on Thursday allegedly by CPI(M) activists at Kapaseberia in East Midnapore district while on her way to strife-torn Nandigram here.
?There were CPI(M) men carrying red flags who blocked my car and some other vehicles which were going along with mine to Nandigram. I was hit on the face and they tried to pull my hair and was about to drag me out of the car,? Patkar told PTI.
About the reported assault on social activist Medha Patkar, the chief secretary said ?We have no report of any assault on her.?