CPI-M leaders target CRPF in Nandigram

The Communist Party of India-Marxist on Wednesday continued its tirade against the Central Reserve Police Force, accusing the paramilitary force of committing 'excesses' in Nandigram, but refrained from demanding its withdrawal.

"We visited Nandigram on Tuesday and apprised the chief minister of what the local people told us about CRPF excesses," CPI-M Central Committee member Shyamal Chakraborty told media persons at the state secretariat.

He alleged that in places like Satengabari, Mahespur and Ranichak, Trinamool Congress workers were committing atrocities on CPI-M supporters 'assisted by the CRPF.'

"The people also complained that three CRPF personnel are supporters of Trinamool Congress and helping supporters of that party in unleashing atrocities," he alleged.

He said that the East Midnapore district police authorities had alleged that the CRPF had not taken permission before launching operations in villages like Satengabari, Mahespur and Ranichak.

Asked whether the CPI-M demanded withdrawal of CRPF from Nandigram, he said: "You would have known, had we made such a demand."

He was accompanied by another party central committee member Shyamli Gupta.

Chakraborty said that they sought chief minister's intervention to ensure that the peace process was not affected.

Chakraborty said that it was the state government, which had decided to deploy central forces in Nandigram. "We are not saying anything," he said.