Can't let a government destroy a state: Patkar

Narmada Bachao Andolan activist Medha Patkar is determined to set things right in the land of the Ganga.

Patkar, who is sitting on a two-day hunger strike in Esplanade East locality in Central Kolkata protesting against 'violence and lawlessness' in Nandigram, termed the atrocities as "barbaric, inhuman and unparalleled."

"Through planned genocide the Left Front government of West Bengal is trying to throttle the voice of protest against Nandigram violence," she told rediff.com.

It may be recalled that Patkar was allegedly assaulted by Communist Party of India-Marxist activists on her way to Nandigram on Thursday; the incident has not gone down well with the social activist.

In a determined voice, she told rediff.com, "I beckon the people of the state and voluntary organisations to launch a well-concerted protest to counter the injustice meted out to the people of Nandigram. We cannot just sit idle and let a government destroy a state."

Patkar will end her hunger strike at 1600 hours on Sunday after giving a representation to West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi demanding the following:

1. Compensation for next of kin of the people killed in Nandigram violence.
2. Compensation for those injured.
3. To bring peace in the area.
4. To have Central Reserve Police Force personnel posted in Nandigram.

A copy of the letter sent to the Governor will also be sent to President Pratibha Patil.

"We are heading for Nandigram on Monday with relief material for those affected," Patkar signed off.