CPM imposing fines on those wishing to return?

The Communist Party of India-Marxist, after its recapture of Nandigram, is allegedly levying fines on Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee supporters to allow them to return to harvest their crops.

"The CPI-M is imposing fines of thousands of rupees depending on our landholding to allow us to return home," said a BUPC supporter at a relief camp.

"Our crops are ready to be harvested. If we don't return home, the CPI-M will harvest our crops and not allow us to return," he said.

Voicing the same fear, Sanat Maity (name changed) of Garchakraberia said, "They will also take over our houses. There is no question of refusal. Our houses will be set on fire. The CPI-M is also forcing our supporters to take part in their processions to show that all is well," he said.

Trinamool Congress MLA Subhendu Adhikary said BUPC supporters are being asked to pay thousands of rupees in fines.

"This is true that those BUPC supporters trying to return home are being threatened and asked to pay thousands of rupees in fines. They are also being asked to join the CPI-M processions and being told to march in front to prove that they have returned to the Marxist fold," he said.

Uneasy calm in Nandigram

A sullen silence prevailed over Nandigram on Friday, with many houses in former Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee strongholds remaining deserted.

A PTI correspondent who drove through Sodhakhali, Garcharaberia, Sonachura and Adhikaripara areas of the strife-torn village found many houses damaged, with roof tiles, doors and windows missing.

Some houses were padlocked and only elderly women and children were to be seen and no men. No one was willing to speak. Shops and markets were also closed.

CPI-M leader of Khejuri, Himangshu Das, claimed that the situation was peaceful and normal and BUPC supporters were returning home. "Maybe, 400 to 500 BUPC supporters are still to return home," he said.

When told that BUPC supporters were alleging that they were being attacked, he said, "Such incidents will happen. It is a spontaneous response. Our supporters had to stay away for eleven months. They are angry. But we have told them to desist from such acts."