Kolkata, Nov.30 (ANI): Mumbai batsman Wasim Jaffer struck a brilliant and undefeated fifth Test hundred as India moved into an ominous position against Pakistan at the end of the first day's play of the second Test at the Eden Gardens here.

Jaffer unveiled a range of the most breathtaking strokes around the ground as India finished at 352 for three at the close of play. Jaffer was batting on 192, and was given solid support by former skipper Rahul Dravid, who scored 50 in a 134-run stand for the second wicket before apparently being wrongly judged out by West Indian umpire Billy Doctrove.

There then followed a sublime, if at times brutal partnership of 175 runs between Jaffer and Sachin Tendulkar, of which the latter scored 82 before being bowled by leg spinner Danish Kaneria.

Jaffer, compact in defense and offense as always, swiftly left his mark on the Eden Gardens pitch, leaving no one in doubt about his class as an opener.

A straight drive down the ground in the morning session would have been the shot of the day, had he not bettered it four times in one over of left arm fast bowler Sohail Tanvir later. His bony elbows came out for off-side punches and cuts and solid wrists for leg-side clips as India sped away.

After lunch, Pakistan appeared to have cut off the stream of boundaries for a brief while, but Jaffer's touch was not to be denied. When he hit one boundary, he generally followed it with at least one more in the same over.

He hit Tanvir for a brace to move to 99; and two overs later, he brought up his hundred with a drive through cover and then celebrated by clipping two more boundaries through midwicket. A few overs later, Tanvir was clipped, driven and cut for three more in a row, as India raced past 200.

Meanwhile Dravid, surely India's greatest (quasi) opener alongside Sunil Gavaskar, given how early he always comes in, went about his work with typically little fuss. After a couple of early scares, he settled with a redirection through third man and a clip through midwicket.

When Danish Kaneria arrived, he came with gifts for Dravid. With a cover drive to bring up India's fifty and a lovely, wristy late cut in Kaneria's first two overs, Dravid quickly announced that he was wearing the trousers in this relationship. After lunch, he also stalled, preparing seemingly for the big score that has eluded him lately. He would've done it had Billy Doctrove not intervened. Dravid had just reached fifty when he drove at Kaneria; there seemed no edge as Kamran Akmal took the ball somewhere in his midriff. Replays couldn't decide which was worse, Doctrove's decision or Akmal's take.

At the close of play, hometown boy Saurav Ganguly was giving company to Jaffer with an unbeaten 17.

Of the Pakistan bowlers, pace spearhead Shoaib Akhtar bowled only nine overs in the day and went wicketless. The burden of bowling at the Indians was shouldered by Sohail Tanvir, who returned figures of 1 for 118 of 24 overs, Mohammad Sami with none for 56 of 18.3 overs and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, who finished with two wickets for 126 runs of 30 overs.

Given the condition of the pitch, India could pile on the runs on day two as well and put Pakistan under pressure towards the end of play on Saturday. India leads the three-match series 1-0, and would like to wrap a series victory in Kolkata itself. (ANI)
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Kolkata, Nov 30 (ANI): The second Test match between India and Pakistan began at the Eden Gardens stadium here today amid heavy security arrangements in the wake of e-mail threatening to attack the visiting team.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Gautam Mohan Chakraborty said that over 6000 uniformed and policemen in plain clothes have been deployed at and around the stadium.

"There is a three-layer security, starting all the way from channalisers down inside the grounds. So, every spectator is being screened thrice. Everyone is being photographed, but we are doing it in a very disciplined manner, so that nobody is inconvenienced," Chakraborty said.

A local television channel received an e-mail on November 24 threatening blasts in different parts of the country, including Kolkata.

On November 26, the Kolkata Police Commissioner received another e-mail after which an emergency meeting of the top police officials was called to ensure foolproof security for the players.

Meanwhile, despite the threats, cricket enthusiasts thronged the stadium to cheer their teams.

"This time the security is very tight. There are a lot of metal detectors as well. People here are not afraid of the threat. We have come to enjoy the match," said Pranoy Mukherjee, a fan.

Shekhar, another cricket fan, said he was confident of Indian Team's victory.

"I will cheer especially for Sourav (Sourav Ganguly), our pride of Bengal. We won last time and we are sure of winning here too," he said.

Earlier this morning, India won the toss and elected to bat. Though the hosts did not have a good start as they lost the wicket of opener Dinesh Karthik in early overs, Wasim Jaffer and former skipper Rahul Dravid consolidated the innings. 

Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik with an ankle injury is missing the match and vice-captain Younis Khan is leading the side.

The visitors received a boost when fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad
Sami were cleared for the match after passing fitness tests.

Indian Team won the opening Test in New Delhi by six wickets. The final match of the series will be played in Bangalore next week. (ANI)
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Kolkata, Nov 30 (ANI): Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on Friday said that she has decided to withdraw the controversial lines from her autobiographical novel 'Dwikhandita' in the wake of the protests from a section of people in India. 

'Dwikhandita' (Split in Two), authored by Nasreen in 2002, recalls the incidents in Bangladesh in the 1980s when the military took over the power.  

According to some reports, Nasreen, who is presently staying at an undisclosed location, claimed that she had written the book in support of the people who defended secular values. 

"I had no intention to hurt anybody's sentiment," she was quoted, as saying. 

Nasreen has reportedly already asked the publisher of the book 'People's Book Society' not to circulate its copies and come out with the next edition without the controversial lines. 

Nasreen's latest decision comes days after External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in a suo motto statement in Lok Sabha that the former could continue to get shelter in India, but was expected to refrain from any activity that may hurt the sentiments of the people. 

Nasreen was forced to move out of Kolkata following violent protests by people belonging to the minority community led by All India Minority Forum, who were demanding cancellation of her visa. 

She arrived in Delhi on Friday evening after being sent to Jaipur from Kolkata. 

Nasreen's visa to stay in India is valid till February 17, 2008, and she has been living in exile for more than ten years. 

Since the 1990s, she has faced numerous threats from Islamic groups for her writings. Recently, activists of Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) attacked her at a book release function in Hyderabad. (ANI) -AJ

 

Kolkata, Nov 28 (ANI): Security arrangements have been beefed up in the City of Joy Kolkata in the wake of an email threatening the players of Pakistani cricket team ahead of the second Test match against India to be played at the Eden Gardens from November 30.

An emergency meeting of the top police brass of West Bengal was convened to ensure flawless security arrangements for the players during their stay here.

Three circles of security arrangements have been made for the cricketers, with the West Bengal Police, Kolkata Police and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) commandos being pressed into service.

Top police officials of both Kolkata Police and West Bengal were present at the airport and at the Taj Bengal hotel, where both teams are staying.

Meanwhile, the people here are eagerly awaiting the match despite a terror threat looming large over it. They are expecting a close encounter between the archrivals, as the hosts are 1 up in the three-match series.

"The security in Kolkata is always tight and several matches are played here. The e-mail threat does not matter. A huge crowd will be present to witness the match and everybody knows that the Kolkata crowd is famous. Threats will not make a difference," said Susmato Samaddar, a cricket fan.

"Last time when India and Pakistan played here, the atmosphere was great. But we have mixed memories as the match had to be stopped in the mid way, the spectators were pushed out and there was lots of rioting inside. This time also the atmosphere is electric. We people are ready to cheer the best team it doesn't matter whether it is India or Pakistan," said Avijit Chakraborty, another cricket enthusiast.

The Indian team is upbeat and thirsting for another win after its convincing six-wicket victory in the first match at Delhi's Ferozshah Kotla stadium.

India romped to a six-wicket win over Pakistan on Monday morning, taking 1-0 lead in the three-match series. (ANI)
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Durgapur (West Bengal), Nov 28 (ANI): Police baton charged workers of the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) who demanded better service conditions in Durgapur on Wednesday.

Durgapur is an industrial metropolis in West Bengal, located about 160 km from Kolkata.

Police had to resort to force after some workers prevented their colleagues from going to work.

"We got complain from DVC ( Damodar Valley Corporation) that there were some protestors in front of their office. But there wasn't any road block. The protest was regarding some complains of the local union," said Sankha Biswas, police officer in charge, Durgapur.

The agitators want their wages increased and permanent jobs.

The workers are reported to be linked to the Bharatiya  Mazdoor Morcha Union (BMMU). (ANI)
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Kolkata, Nov 27 (ANI): Indian and Pakistani cricket teams reached here today amidst tight security following an email threat targeting the visiting team.

"We have taken the email threat into consideration. Every time a match is played we maintain tight security and this time too we will provide best of security to the players," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kolkata (South), Javed Shamim said.

The second test of three match series will be played from November 30 to December 4 at the Eden Gardens.

On Saturday, a television news channel, India TV, had received an email that threatened Pakistani team to leave India, and demanded their withdrawal from the ongoing Test series against the hosts.

The e-mail sent from a Yahoo id also gave details of the 'impending' blasts in different cities including, New Delhi, Kolkata and Islamabad.

The Police Commissioner in Kolkata also received another email threat on Monday after which an emergency meeting of the top brass police officials was called to arrange for flawless security arrangements for the players.

Three tiers of security arrangements, comprising forces from West Bengal Police, Kolkata Police and CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) Commandos, will be in place for the cricketers.

India romped to a six-wicket win over Pakistan in the first test at Ferozshah Kotla ground in New Delhi on Monday, taking the lead in the three-match series. (ANI)
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Kolkata, Nov 27 (ANI): The Calcutta High Court today issued a criminal contempt notice to Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) state Secretary Biman Bose for his remarks that the judiciary was taking biased stand on the Nandigram issue.

The High Court also issued notices to Shyamal Chakrabarty and Binoy Konar and asked all of them to submit their replies by January 31 explaining public statements in which they had condemned the court's role.

On November 17, Bose has said the court ruling that March 14 police firing in Nandigram was "unconstitutional," and a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into it was intervention of judiciary into the work of legislature.

"What is the need then for the executive or legislature, why spend so much on elections if the court will decide everything?," Bose had questioned 

Bose has also urged the West Bengal Government to appeal to the Supreme Court against the High Court's order to ensure the rights of the State.

"I ask the State Government to appeal to the Supreme Court against the judgment to ensure the rights of the State, which were being encroached upon sometimes by the Centre and in the present context, by the judiciary," Bose said.

The High Court, on November 16, had dismissed all petitions filed by the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Government in connection with the Nandigram violence on March 14.

The High Court, however, asked the State Government to give compensation of five hundred thousand rupees to the families of those who were killed, two hundred thousand rupees to women who were raped or molested, and one hundred thousand rupees to those who were injured.

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone
(SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project.

The row saw violent clashes between residents opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police.

At least six villagers were killed and dozens injured in Nandigram last week in clashes between rival groups led by Communists and a frontal organisation backed by Trinamool Congress party. (ANI)
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New Delhi/ Haora (WB), Nov 27 (ANI): Working in pitiable conditions, labourers at one of the West Bengal's many manufacturing units, make manhole covers and other utilities for New York and other cities in the West.

According to a report, these barefoot, shirtless, whip-thin men, and seemingly impervious to the heat generated from the burning metal, rely on their strength and bare hands, rather than the machinery.

The foundry, Shakti Industries in Haora, produces manhole covers for Con Edison and New York City's Department of Environmental Protection, as well as for departments in New Orleans and Syracuse.

The photographers, who often work with The New York Times, were moved during a recent visit to Haora on seeing the condition of workers at the place where New York's manhole covers are born.

Safety precautions are barely in evidence; just a few pairs of eye goggles were seen in use, the International Herald Tribune reports.

Photographers took back photographs and showed them to officials at Con Edison - which buys a quarter of its manhole covers, roughly 2,750 a year, from India.

On seeing the photographs, Con Edison officials were surprised.

"We were disturbed by the photos," Michael S. Clendenin, director of media relations with Con Edison was quoted, as saying.

"We take worker safety very seriously," Clendenin said.

Now, the utility said, it is rewriting international contracts to include safety requirements.

Contracts will now require overseas manufacturers to "take appropriate actions to provide a safe and healthy workplace," and to follow local and federal guidelines in India, Clendenin said.

At Shakti, a few women were also working. The temperature outside the factory yard was more than 100 degrees on a September visit.

Several feet from where the metal was being poured, the area felt like an oven, and the workers were slick with sweat.

Often, sparks flew from pots of the molten metal onto the clothes of the workers.

Once the metal solidified and cooled, workers removed the manhole cover casting from the mould and then, in the last step in the production process, ground and polished the rough edges.

Finally, the men stacked the covers and bolted them together for shipping.

"We can't maintain the luxury of Europe and the United States, with all the boots and all that," Shakti Industries director Sunil Modi was quoted, as saying.

He said, however, that the foundry never had accidents.

At the Shakti Industries foundry, "there are no accidents, never ever," Modi said. "By God's will, it's all fine."

He was concerned about the attention, afraid that contracts would be pulled and jobs lost, the report said.

New York City's Department of Environmental Protection, another buyer of sewer manhole covers from India, said that state law requires the city to buy the lowest-priced products available that fit its specifications.

Mark Daly, director of communications for the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, said the law forbids the city from excluding companies based on where a product is manufactured.

Con Edison said it did not plan to cancel any of its contracts with Shakti after seeing the photographs.

Manhole covers manufactured in India can be anywhere from 20 to 60 percent cheaper than those made in the United States, said Alfred Spada, the spokesman for the American Foundry Society.

Workers at foundries in India are paid the equivalent of a few dollars a day, while foundry workers in the United States earn about 25 dollars an hour.

India's 1948 Factory Safety Act addresses cleanliness, ventilation, waste treatment, overtime pay and fresh drinking water, but the only protective gear it specifies is safety goggles.

Modi said that his factory followed basic safety regulations and that workers should not be barefoot. "It must have been a very hot day" when the photos were taken, he said.

Some labour activists in India say that injuries are far higher than figures show. "Many accidents are not being reported," said H. Mahadevan, the deputy general secretary for the All-India Trade Union Congress.

Safety, overall, is "not taken as a serious concern by employers or trade unions," Mahadevan added. (ANI)
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New Delhi, Nov 2 (ANI): The Union Government today approved in principle a 8,000-crore-rupee package for flood control programmes that includes pending schemes in North Bihar and West Bengal, and prevention of erosion in basins of rivers Ganga and Bhagirathi.

The Union Cabinet gave its approval in principle to the project for taking up river management, flood control, anti-erosion works, drainage development, flood proofing, flood prone area development programme, restoration of damaged flood management works, in the entire country, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said.

The National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP) mentions that pending flood control and, drainage schemes in North Bihar and West Bengal, including prevention of erosion in Ganga-Padma and Bhagirathi, would be completed expeditiously.

The NCMP also states that the Central Government would fully support flood control works in inter-state and international Rivers, the government release said.

An Empowered Committee of Secretaries headed by the Finance Secretary was constituted to select projects under the scheme in the Ganga Basin, Brahmputra and Barak basins and other areas on the basis of Detailed Project Report.

The Scheme will be implemented through State Government and monitored by Ganga Flood Board and Central Water Commission. Their progress will be evaluated through remote sensing techniques and through independent agency. (ANI)
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Kolkata, Nov 2 (ANI): Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) general secretary Prakash Karat today said it is not necessary to hold a voting resolution in Parliament on the much-touted Indo-US bilateral civil nuclear deal.

"We would like a discussion on the US nuclear deal in the Parliament. We are not insisting on a discussion of a voting resolution; it can be a non-voting resolution," Karat told reporters.

On October 31, almost three months after the crisis began for the UPA Government over the contentious nuclear deal triggered by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's warning to the Left, Karat lauded Singh's 'unquestioned integrity' and made it clear that the Left Front wants the UPA Government to complete its full term.

Karat had said that in spite of a 'basic difference' with the Prime Minister on the nuclear agreement, the Left "recognises that he (Singh) has strong convictions on the soundness and utility of the agreement."

"Our differing view on the agreement does not mean that we do not have respect for the Prime Minister. His integrity is unquestioned," Karat added.

Earlier last week, U S Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and US Ambassador to India, David Mulford met BJP President Rajnath Singh and leader of opposition Lal Krishna Advani to discuss the issues pertaining to the nuke deal.

The civilian nuclear cooperation deal aims to lift a three-decade ban on sales of US nuclear fuel and reactors to India, imposed after the latter conducted a nuclear test in 1974, while staying out of non-proliferation agreements.

The deal has brought the Manmohan Singh led UPA government to the brink of collapse as Left parties that provide outside support to the coalition government threatened to withdraw its support if the pact is pursued.

The communists have rejected the deal, saying it hurts India's sovereignty and imposes US hegemony.

The deal faces an informal US deadline related to securing approval of America's Congress well before presidential polls next year.

U.S. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns, Washington's main negotiator for the pact, had said that India did not have an unlimited amount of time.

The Bush Administration wants the agreement to go to Congress for its backing by the end of the year, he said in New York.

That deadline would be virtually impossible to meet if India does not move now to secure approvals from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Last month, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee had said that the talks with the Left parties on the Indo-US deal would continue beyond the November 16 meeting.

"We are working to reconcile a position... We are trying to get a solution. Let us see what is the outcome of the meeting on November 16," Mukherjee, who is the convenor of the special UPA-Left committee, said, adding that it would not be the last meeting with the Left on the issue.

Expressing the hope of sorting out the differences with the Left parties, Mukherjee asserted that divergence views would be narrowed down, and rejected the viewpoint that the nuclear deal was dead.

The special committee of the UPA and the Left, formed to resolve disagreements between the two sides over the nuclear deal, held deliberations for the fifth time on the issue on October 22.

They decided to continue the talks even as the 'unofficial' deadline for India to initiate formal negotiations with the IAEA for country-specific agreements ends in October.  

There has been a general opinion that the bilateral agreement could be difficult to operationalise since Left parties are trying to woo the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA) to launch a joint opposition to the deal.

Three more steps are required to operationalise the deal that include, safeguard agreement with the IAEA, amendment in the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group's charter and the passing of the 123-agreement by the US Congress. (ANI)
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New Delhi, Nov 25 (ANI): Coming down heavily on the West Bengal and the UPA governments, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today demanded that a political refugee status should be given to controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen who been has moving from one place to another for a safe haven.

"She is entitled to all rights which have been given to the Tibetan refugees," the BJP said in a statement issued here today.

The party further said that Taslima was a victim of religious persecution in Bangladesh, adding that to eject a refugee under pressures from religious groups is to submit to Islamic fundamentalists.

"The harassment of Taslima by the West Bengal Government has thrown up an important question as to how a victim of persecution is treated by a civilised state in which the victim seeks a refuge as an asylum," the party statement said.

"A victim of political persecution is being persecuted further since fellow travelling with fundamentalism wins vote banks. The irony of this issue is the customary silence of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Central Government," it added.

Commenting on the developments of Nandigram, the party said that it has shown to the whole country the real, ugly and fascist face of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M).

"The CPI-M is hostile to any form of dissent and criticism. To use the political cadres as an instrument of repression on dissidents is unprecedented," the party said.

On Thursday Taslima had to leave her home in Kolkata and boarded a flight to Jaipur in a burqa, after her presence in the West Bengal capital sparked violent protests in the city.

However, the Rajasthan Government also cited security reasons and sent her to the national capital within hours after she had reached Jaipur.

The Centre has assured full protection to her.

Nasreen's visa to stay in India is valid till February 17, 2008, and she has been living in exile for more than ten years.

Since the 1990s, Nasreen has faced numerous threats from Islamic groups for her writings. Recently, activists of Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) at a book release function in Hyderabad attacked her.

The European Parliament awarded her the Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought in 1994. (ANI) (ANI)
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Jaipur/New Delhi, Nov 25 (ANI): The recent incidents surrounding exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen have evoked mixed responses here with few coming out in support of her, while others expressing their unhappiness over the controversial author's 'attack' against Islam.

Nasreen is presently in the national capital after she was moved out of Kolkata and sent to Jaipur, and her plight has led to some social activists questioning the role of the West Bengal and Rajasthan governments.

"Is there no space left for her that Taslima Nasreen has being kicked off to Delhi? Our protest is against the West Bengal government, Rajasthan government and other orthodox groups who have held the country to ransom," says Kavita Srivastava, a social activist.

"It is unbearable that a writer of Taslima's stature had her right of expression and the right to live safely hampered with and we are here to protest that," she adds.

On Saturday hundreds of social activists in Jaipur took to streets and formed a human chain in support of the author's cause, who has been served a 'death warrant' by Muslim clerics for attacking Islam in her book 'Lajja'.

Political leaders like, Farooq Abdullah, who has also served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir argues that Nasreen should 'respect' each religion.

"Attacking religion in any form is objectionable as far as India is concerned. If she wants to attack, she can go somewhere else but not in India. We are a country, which has got multiple religions, and in those multiple religions you have to respect each religion. If you don't respect them you are going to be in trouble," Abdullah said.

Meanwhile, the controversial author spoke to a private news channel and said that she was emotionally touched by the responses that she has been getting from the people in India.

''I miss my home, I miss my Kolkata. I don't want to leave India for any other country,'' NDTV quoted her, as saying.

On Thursday she had to leave her home in Kolkata and boarded a flight to Jaipur in a burqa, after her presence in the West Bengal capital sparked violent protests in the city.

However, the Rajasthan government also cited security reasons and sent her to the national capital within hours after she had reached Jaipur.

The Centre has assured full protection to her.

Nasreen's visa to stay in India is valid till February 17, 2008, and she has been living in exile for more than ten years.

Since the 1990s, Nasreen has faced numerous threats from Islamic groups for her writings. Recently, she was attacked by activists of Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) at a book release function in Hyderabad.

The European Parliament awarded her the Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought in 1994. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Nov 24 (ANI): Former Parliamentarian B L Sharma Prem Singh Sher has offered to adopt controversial Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen as his own daughter.

Nasreen, who reached Delhi on Friday night by road after an overnight stay in Jaipur, was moved out of Kolkata after Wednesday's violent protest by All India Minority Forum (AIMF).

Prem Singh Sher said that he would like to adopt her as his third daughter provided she agrees to it and the legal formalities are completed.

Criticising the move by the West Bengal government to send her to Jaipur, he said that he would protect the author as per the Hindu traditions.

The Centre on Friday assured full protection to the controversial writer, who has been living in exile for more than ten years now after her novel, Lajja, was termed anti-Islamic by religious leaders in her home country.

Since the 1990s, Nasreen has faced numerous threats from Islamic groups for her writings. Recently, she was attacked by activists of Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) at a book release function in Hyderabad. (ANI)
--MP

Darjeeling, Nov 24 (ANI): The situation is peaceful in the Darjeeling Hills after a leader of an ethnic group fighting for a separate homeland was attacked by a rival faction.

There is no report of any untoward incidents since last night.

The Army was called out on Friday evening following the violent incidents. Prohibitory orders have been imposed in the town and the Rapid Action Force has conducted a flag march.

"Army has been called out and they staged flag march in the city to restore confidence among the tourists. We have imposed prohibitory orders and it will continue," said R.J.S. Nalwa, Inspector General of Police, North Bengal.

A four-day shutdown is on in the town over rival claims for a separate homeland for 'Gorkhas'.

Rival factions called for a shutdown in pockets of their influence. While one faction is in favour of the inclusion of the hills in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the second is not.

The powerful Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) wants the Darjeeling Hills to be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, while the Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha (GJMM), a breakaway faction of the GNLF, led by Bimal Gurung, opposes the demand.

K.B. Gurung, a former councillor of GNLF, was critically wounded allegedly by GJMM activists and shifted to a hospital in Siliguri.

"After they (Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha) attacked a member of our group, police came. Darjeeling will remain closed until police arrests the culprit," said Bimal Gurung, President of the GNLF Darjeeling district committee.

GNLF launched the agitation for a separate state in 1980 but dropped the demand for Sixth Schedule after New Delhi agreed to confer partial autonomy in 1988 for the Nepalese-speaking people.

An agreement was signed by the Central Government, the State Government of
West Bengal and the GNLF paving way for the setting up of the Autonomous Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (ADGHC) in 1988.

The State Government in West Bengal has been resisting demands for a separate state to Gorkhas. (ANI)
- AY

Kolkata, Nov 23 (ANI): Kolkata remained peaceful today as the army and the police jointly patrolled localities that were hit by violence on Wednesday.

The army, which was deployed on Wednesday following violent clashes has been kept on stand by.

According to official sources, the State Government will take a final decision on how long the army will be deployed and whether it is to be withdrawn in phases.

According to sources, four columns of the army, comprising 360 personnel, conducted a flag march in Moulali, Mullickbazar, Ripon Street, Park Circus, Topsia, Beniapukur and adjacent areas throughout Thursday night.

Some schools, closed on Thursday in the affected areas, were slated to reopen and small shops, located in the interior of the violence-hit areas, also began normal business this morning.

Curfew was relaxed on Thursday which was imposed following violent protests by the All India Minority Forum (AIMF) over the violence in Nandigram and a demand for the cancellation of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen's visa.

It was for the first time since the 1992 riots that the Army was called in to restore order in the city.

Violent clashes between Communist supporters, police and locals opposed to the project have been taking place since January.

At least six villagers were killed and dozens injured in Nandigram last week in clashes between rival groups led by Communists and a frontal organisation backed by Trinamool Congress party. (ANI)

- AY

Darjeeling, Nov 23 (ANI): A four-day shutdown has begun in the Darjeeling Hills over rival claims for a separate homeland for 'Gorkhas'.

Schools, shops and offices remained closed while public transport was crippled. However, emergency and essential services were exempt.

Rival factions called for a shutdown in pockets of their influence. While one faction is in favour of the inclusion of the hills in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the second is not.

The powerful Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) wants the Darjeeling Hills to be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, while the Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha (GJMM), a breakaway faction of the GNLF, led by Bimal Gurung, opposes the demand.

"We have declared a shutdown and are protesting peacefully. This strike has been successful. The locals are supporting us," said Lalit Thapa, a GJMM leader.

GNLF launched the agitation for a separate state in 1980 but dropped the demand for Sixth Schedule after New Delhi agreed to confer partial autonomy in 1988 for the Nepalese-speaking people.

An agreement was signed by the Central Government, the State Government of
West Bengal and the GNLF paving way for the setting up of the Autonomous Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (ADGHC) in 1988.

The State Government in West Bengal has been resisting demands for a separate state to Gorkhas. (ANI)

- AY

Kolkata, Nov 23 (ANI): People from all walks of life took out a silent peace march here on Thursday, as the city limped back to normalcy after Wednesday's clashes over Nandigram and Taslima Nasreen.

A number of social activists, writers and intellectuals, with cloth tied across their mouths, walked down the streets appealing for peace.

"We are going to march till Dharamtala with a cloth tied across our mouth expressing regret over what happened on Wednesday. We are surely not on the path of non-violence. This is the first time the army has been deployed. Even if the army was called out, it was against the people, not for them," said social
activist, Medha Patkar.

Iman-ul Haque, a writer and social worker added, "We want peace in Kolkata. This violence, unruliness and rowdiness is not acceptable to us."

Shops reopened, children returned to school and a curfew was lifted in the city on Thursday after the army patrolled the streets to quell riots.

A curfew was imposed in various parts of Kolkata following violent protests by the All India Minority Forum over the violence in Nandigram and a demand for the cancellation of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen's visa.

The West Bengal Government was on Wednesday forced to deploy army soldiers in various parts of Kolkata after demonstrators under the banner of All India Minority Forum (AIMF) blocked roads and clashed with police.

It was for the first time since the 1992 riots that the Army was called in to restore order in the city.

Describing the turn of events as "unfortunate", Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said the violence had "tarnished" the name of the city.

The Communist Government in West Bengal had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, 150 km southwest of Kolkata, but had to abort the project after villagers refused to give up their lands.

Violent clashes between Communist supporters, police and locals opposed to the project have been taking place since January.

At least six villagers were killed and dozens injured in Nandigram last week in clashes between rival groups led by Communists and a frontal organisation backed by Trinamool Congress party. (ANI)
- AY

New Delhi, Nov 23 (ANI): The Centre on Friday assured full protection to controversial Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen who was sent to the national capital after Rajasthan government declined to allow her stay in Jaipur.

In a brief statement released by the Union Home Ministry, it stated, "She (Taslima Nasreen) has a valid Indian visa till February 17, 2008. She should be given appropriate security wherever she is."

"If necessary, Home Ministry will speak to concerned State governments to ensure this. We are keeping a watch on the situation," it added.

Nasreen, who reached Delhi by road after an overnight stay in Jaipur, was moved out of Kolkata after Wednesday's violent protest by All India Minority Forum (AIMF).

The Army was called in and curfew was imposed in various parts of Kolkata following violent protests.

Meanwhile, a top official of the West Bengal Government said that he has no information about Taslima and that she is an independent person to move wherever she likes in India.
 
Nasreen has been living in exile for more than ten years now after her novel, Lajja, was termed anti-Islamic by religious leaders in her home country.

Since the 1990s, Nasreen has faced numerous threats from Islamic groups for her writings. Recently, she was attacked by activists of Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) at a book release function in Hyderabad. (ANI)
--MP

Jaipur, Nov 22 (ANI): Controversial Bangladesh author Taslima Nasreen was sent to Jaipur from Kolkata on Thursday, a day after violent protests in West Bengal capital led to the army being called in there.

CPI (M) leader Biman Bose on Wednesday had suggested that Nasreen should be sent either to Jaipur or Gujarat in the wake of protests against her stay in Kolkata.

Her transit to Jaipur has been felicitated by Home Ministry, according to sources.

Curfew was imposed in various parts of Kolkata on Wednesday following violent protests by the All India Minority Forum over the violence in Nandigram and a demand for the cancellation of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen's visa. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Nov 22 (ANI): The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday launched a hard-hitting criticism against CPI (M) for being unable to handle the situation in Nandigram, and demanded imposition of Centre's rule in the State, alleging that it has no faith in the West Bengal government 's sincerity in implementing directions of the Union Home Ministry.

BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, who had recently visited violence-hit Nandigram, led the BJP's attack in the Rajya Sabha when the House met to discuss over the recent incidents of violence over the land acquisition for a SEZ plant in West Bengal.

Swaraj said that the House should unanimously pass a resolution condemning the recent incidents of violence in Nandigram and the violent takeover of the village by CPI (M) cadres. She also asked how the Centre and the State Government would be able to tackle the growing influence of Maoists in the region, since intelligence reports suggest that naxals played an active role there.

However, the situation turned worse with CPI (M) leaders protesting Swaraj's contention, and the BJP members retaliating back that with shouts of 'shame, shame.' (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Nov 22 (ANI): Curfew, which was imposed in Kolkata following violent protests on Wednesday, was relaxed this morning in five police station areas as the situation returned to normal.

"The city is fast returning to normalcy. Schools and colleges are opening. People have also resumed their normal life," Police Commissioner, Gautam Mohan Chakrabarty said.

Curfew was imposed in various parts of Kolkata from 10.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. on Wednesday following violent protests by the All India Minority Forum over the violence in Nandigram and a demand for the cancellation of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen's visa.

No further clashes were reported during the night.

Flag marches, however, will continue this morning in places that saw violence on Wednesday. 

"The Army and the police are jointly patrolling the affected areas of the city," Chakrabarty added.

The Army will also review the situation after which, the government might take a decision on army deployment.

The West Bengal Government was on Wednesday forced to deploy army soldiers in various parts of Kolkata after demonstrators under the banner of All India Minority Forum (AIMF) blocked roads and clashed with police.

It was for the first time since the 1992 riots that the Army was called in to restore order in the city.

Describing the turn of events as "unfortunate", Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said the violence had "tarnished" the name of the city.

Reacting to the prevailing situation in Nandigram, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Karan Singh termed the issue as a national tragedy.

He said the situation in Nandigram is "still far from normal," and called upon both the West Bengal and the Central governments to work towards providing adequate compensation to the victims.

On the other hand, BJP MP Yashwant Sinha said that the true face of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has been revealed through the  Nandigram crisis.

The issue also rocked the Winter Session of Parliament, which began a debate on it on Wednesday.

Leader of Opposition, LK Advani, compared the violence in West Bengal's Nandigram area to the violence that was seen in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 1989. 

The Communist Government in West Bengal had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, 150 km southwest of Kolkata, but had to abort the project after villagers refused to give up their lands.

Violent clashes between Communist supporters, police and locals opposed to the project have been taking place since January.

At least six villagers were killed and dozens injured in Nandigram last week in clashes between rival groups led by Communists and a frontal organisation backed by Trinamool Congress party. (ANI)
- AY

Kolkata, Nov 21 (ANI): Night curfew was imposed in various parts of Kolkata today after demonstrators protesting against violence in Nandigram and demanding the cancellation of visa of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen, clashed with police.

The situation in Kolkata was still tense but stated to be under control.

The Union Home Ministry is in constant touch with the Chief Secretary and other senior officers of the West Bengal Government.

Reacting to the prevailing situation in Nandigram, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Karan Singh termed the issue as a national tragedy.

He said the situation in Nandigram is "still far from normal," and called upon both the West Bengal and the Central governments to work towards providing adequate compensation to the victims.

On the other hand, BJP MP Yashwant Sinha said that the true face of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has been revealed in Nandigram crisis.

"There is no difference between autocratic rule of Hitler, Stalin and (West Bengal Chief Minister) Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee," Sinha said.

The West Bengal Government was today forced to deploy army troops in various parts of Kolkata after demonstrators under the banner of All India Minority Forum (AIMF) blocked roads and clashed with police.

The government sought six columns of army, including four columns on the standby.

The army staged flag marches in sensitive areas in Central Kolkata.

The State Government also deployed personnel of the elite Rapid Action Force (RAF) to quell the disturbance that has brought normal life in Kolkata to a standstill.

The mob damaged 30 public buses and set over 10 private cars on fire.

Initially, as police intervened to persuade the protestors to lift their blockade, the mob turned unruly and started pelting stones at the police.

The police had to baton charge the protestors. Teargas was also used to keep the protestors at bay.

In clashes on Ripon Street in Central Kolkata, several protestors and policemen were injured.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) Javed Shamim was injured when the police tried to lift the blockade on the arterial AJC Bose Road.

Hundreds of demonstrators threw stones and empty glass bottles and traffic was badly affected in Central Kolkata.

"The traffic has been blocked. For one hour I have been stranded. Starting from Khidampur to Central Kolkata there is a traffic jam," said Sikander, one of the harried commuters.

The blockades have been cleared, but the situation is still volatile in Kolkata.

The Communist Government in West Bengal had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, 150 km southwest of Kolkata, but had to abort the project after villagers refused to give up their lands.

Violent clashes between Communist supporters, police and locals opposed to the project have been taking place since January.

At least six villagers were killed and dozens injured in Nandigram last week in clashes between rival groups led by Communists and a frontal organisation backed by Trinamool Congress party.

The issue has also rocked the Winter Session of Parliament, which began a debate on it today. Senior BJP leader L K Advani began the debate from the Opposition side, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is currently attending the ASEAN Summit in Singapore, is expected to reply on Thursday morning. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Nov 21 (ANI): Leader of Opposition, LK Advani, today compared the violence in West Bengal's Nandigram area to the violence that was seen in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 1989, as the debate on Nandigram began in Lok Sabha. 

Opening the debate on the Nandigram issue, Advani asked the Central Government to ensure that the order of the Calcutta High Court regarding rehabilitation and compensation of Nandigram victims is executed. 

"The Governor (Gopal Krishna Gandhi) should be called to Delhi to explain the situation," he said, adding that it was the responsibility of Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and the Governor to ensure peace in the region.  

He even said that if required, Article 355 or Article 356, should be imposed in the State.He informed the Lower House about his meeting with West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi during his Nandigram visit. "Parliament, government, nation have the right to know what happened in Nandigram and why," he added. 

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is currently attending the ASEAN Summit in Singapore, is expected to make his statement on Thursday morning. 

Earlier today, the BJP raised objection to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's absence from Parliament during Question Hour. 

Senior BJP leader V K Malhotra raised the issue when questions pertaining to ministries handled by the Prime Minister were being discussed.  

"Parliament is in session for barely 14 days and the Prime Minister is away for seven days," Malhotra said in the Lok Sabha.
The Prime Minster is also scheduled to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala in Uganda. 

The Nandigram issue is being discussed under Rule 193 that does not allow voting after discussion.The Centre decided to discuss Nandigram in hope of ending the deadlock in Parliament. The decision to discuss the issue came after a series of negotiations between the Left and the Opposition. 

The BJP and the CPI (M) leaders confirmed that the agreed text of the motion would refer to the proposal to set up a Special Economic Zone in Nandigram and the "consequent violence" witnessed thereof.  

Meanwhile, the West Bengal Government today called out the Army in various parts of Kolkata after demonstrators protesting against violence in Nandigram and demanding the cancellation of visa of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen, clashed with police. 

The State Government also deployed personnel of the elite Rapid Action Force (RAF) to quell the disturbance that has brought normal life in Kolkata to a standstill.  

The Communist Government in West Bengal had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, 150 km southwest of Kolkata, but had to abort the project after villagers refused to give up their lands.  

Violent clashes between Communist supporters, police and locals opposed to the project have been taking place since January. 

At least six villagers were killed and dozens injured in Nandigram last week in clashes between rival groups led by Communists and a frontal organisation backed by Trinamool Congress party. (ANI) -AJ

Mangaldihi, (West Bengal), Nov 21 (ANI): Two persons were injured in a village in West Bengal's Birbhum District  while chasing away a herd of elephants, that went on rampage in paddy fields.

Mangaldihi villagers said these types of incidents are common in the area.

Tuskers are forced by their dwindling natural habitat to emerge from time to time in search of food, and therefore, come into conflict with the village population.

"I saw an elephant around 6.30, it was drinking water in the pond, I informed others about it, and then, we also informed the police," said Sadhan Late, a villager.

The forest department has appealed to villagers not to provoke or harm the beasts as it is taking measures to move the elephants back into the jungle.

"Our team, comprising of district officials is coming and we are trying to move the elephants back into the forest," said Sirajur Haq, a forest official.

India has been struggling to tackle with the problem of shrinking wildlife and encroaching human habitats.

Home to 50,000 elephants a century ago, just 26,400 elephants were found roaming national parks and forests in 2002. Worse, the first comprehensive elephant census published in 2005 showed a steep drop in numbers to just 21,300 elephants.

A recent survey by the Federal Environment Ministry reported a steady depletion of forestland in 11 major wildlife reserves since 1997.

According to the survey, only 20 percent of India's landmass is forested and just 120,000 square kilometres (46,340 square miles) -- less than four percent of the country -- of that is suitable for elephants.(ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Nov 21 (ANI): The West Bengal Government today called out the Army in various parts of Kolkata after demonstrators protesting against violence in Nandigram and demanding the cancellation of visa of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen, clashed with police.

The State Government also deployed personnel of the elite Rapid Action Force (RAF) to quell the disturbance that has brought normal life in Kolkata to a standstill.

The protestors under the banner of All India Minority Forum (AIMF) reportedly set up road blockades to protest the turmoil in Nandigram. They burnt two vehicles, including a police vehicle.

Initially, police had to baton charge the protestors belonging to the All India Minority Forum (AIMF). Teargas was also used to keep the protestors at bay.

In clashes on Ripon Street in Central Kolkata, several protestors and policemen were injured.

Kolkata's Deputy Commissioner of Police, Javed Shamim, was also reportedly injured in the clashes. Hundreds of demonstrators threw stones and empty glass bottles and traffic was badly affected in Central and Eastern Kolkata.

The Communist Government in West Bengal had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, 150 km southwest of Kolkata, but had to abort the project after villagers refused to give up their lands.

Violent clashes between Communist supporters, police and locals opposed to the project have been taking place since January.

At least six villagers were killed and dozens injured in Nandigram last week in clashes between rival groups led by Communists and a frontal organisation backed by Trinamool Congress party.

The issue has also rocked the Winter Session of Parliament, which is debating it today. Senior BJP leader L K Advani began the debate from the Opposition side, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is currently attending the ASEAN Summit in Singapore, is expected to reply on Thursday morning. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Nov 20 (ANI): Social activist Medha Patkar today slammed the West Bengal Government for its apathy over the prevailing situation in Nandigram.

Addressing a press conference here, Patkar, who is supporting the cause of farmers, called the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) policy as unconstitutional.

Terming the prevailing situation in Nandigram as a war by the state against its own people, she said, "(Forcible occupation of territory) is war, what else? And that is what is being tried out in Nandigram. And, till date, there is no peace. It may be 'Shamshan' (graveyard) like) peace, not the real 'shanti' (peace)."

The Communist government in West Bengal had planned to set up a SEZ for chemical industries in Nandigram, 150 km southwest of Kolkata, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give up their farmlands.

The row saw violent clashes between communist supporters, police and locals opposed to the project since January.

At least six villagers were killed and dozens injured in Nandigram last week in clashes between rival groups led by Communists and a frontal organisation backed by Trinamool Congress party.

The issue also rocked Parliament on Monday, and was adjourned as many opposition leaders held the government responsible for the row. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Nov 20 (ANI): A major fire broke out in a three-storied building in Kolkata's Elgin Road in the early hours of Tuesday, gutting three buildings inside an industrial estate in Kshidirpur area.

However, no casualties were reported. 

Preliminary investigations revealed that a short circuit caused the fire in a warehouse, which quickly spread to the neighbouring buildings.

"The fire started around 11:30-11:45 and it spread to the neighbouring buildings from a warehouse storing manufactured refrigerators. It spread rapidly from here and became uncontrollable," said, Babloo Karim, an eyewitness.

"The fire broke out in three factories and the ceilings collapsed as a result of which, it took time for us to extinguish the fire," said A.K. Mukherjee, Divisional Fire Officer, West Bengal Fire Service, Biyala Division, adding that no casualty was reported.

It took more than two hours for 20 fire engines to douse the fire. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Nov 21 (ANI): Lok Sabha will take up the issue of Nandigram for discussion today, but not as a law and order problem.

The Nandigram issue will be discussed under Rule 193 that does not allows a voting after discussion.

The issue will be taken up after the Question Hour and the Leader of Opposition, L K Advani, will initiate the debate.

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil will reply to the discussion. The decision to discuss the issue came after a series of negotiations between the Left and the Opposition.

Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and other Left parties, the Janata Dal (United), the Biju Janata Dal and others met several times to arrive at an agreement to debate the issue in the House.

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee had been saying that he would like to accommodate the BJP's demands for a discussion on the issue although, strictly speaking, it was a State subject.

However, he insisted on a text of the motion that was "admissible" under the rules.

The BJP and the CPI (M) leaders confirmed that the agreed text of the motion would refer to the proposal to set up a special economic zone in Nandigram and the "consequent violence" witnessed.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister P R Dasmunsi on Tuesday said, "The stalemate created over discussion on Nandigram has been resolved nicely and with great harmony. The BJP is not moving an adjournment motion and there will be a short-duration discussion on the issue."

Dasmunsi, however, confirmed it would be 'Nandigram-specific' and not an omnibus topic dealing with extremist violence in different states. (ANI)

- AY

New Delhi, Nov 20 (ANI): The winter session of the Parliament has
failed  to  take  off  as the recent  incidents  of  violence  in
Nandigram  rocked the Parliament for a second consecutive day  on
Tuesday.

Rajya  Sabha was adjourned for the day after  opposition  members
led by the BJP insisted on a debate on Nandigram issue.

The Left Front, wary of having a debate on this issue, has stated
that the incident in a state issue that requires no debate in the
Parliament.

As  the  proceedings commenced for the day,  National  Democratic
Alliance  (NDA) members raised slogans and trooped into the  Well
of the House.

They  demanded  an immediate debate on the  issue  by  suspending
Question Hour.

Chairman  Hamid  Ansari  pleaded with them to go  back  to  their
seats,  but without paying much attention, members forced him  to
adjourn the House till noon.

Similar  kind of scenes was also witnessed in the Lok Sabha  when
proceedings resumed today.

Lok  Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee first adjourned  the  house
till noon, but with the situation remains same, it was  adjourned
till 2.00.

Chatterjee also expressed readiness for a discussion but under  a
proper rule.

As  soon the House met for the day, NDA members  shouted  slogans
and demanded the suspension of Question Hour.

They  rushed into the Well demanding an immediate debate  on  the
matter.

Terming the attitude of NDA members as 'displeasing',  Chatterjee
said a discussion can be allowed only if a motion in this  regard
is moved in a "proper form".

He  said  that political parties' leaders had met on  Monday  and
decided to hold debate in a proper manner.

Commenting  on this, Parliamentary Affairs Minister P R  Dasmunsi
said,  "The  government  had no objection  to  a  short  duration
discussion  within the framework of proper rules and  consent  of
the Chair." (ANI)


- AY

New Delhi, Nov.20 (ANI): The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
(CHRI) has expressed shock over the recent violence in nandigram,
West Bengal.

In  a  statement issued to the media, the CHRI said:  "Events  in
Nandigram,  West  Bengal,  have shocked  the  conscience  of  the
nation.   The   State   Government  seems   to   have   abdicated
responsibility  and  admits having outsourced law  and  order  to
varying party cadres and armed gangs, infiltrated by criminal and
other extremist elements, from time to time."

"The  objectivity  and  impartiality required in  law  and  order
matters  is  glaring  in its absence.  Furthermore,  the  primary
institution  to  protect the basic rights of  life,  liberty  and
property-  the  police - has failed abysmally  in  its  essential
duty,  pointing  to  deep-rooted malaise plaguing  it,  the  CHRI
statement added. 

"The  CHRI joins with others in civil society in protesting  this
cycle  of  events and the attendant violence, rape,  assault  and
eviction  of innocent villagers from their homes. It  calls  upon
all  concerned to cooperate fully with the para military  Central
Reserve  Ppolice  Force  and other law  enforcement  agencies  in
restoring  peace  and  normalcy and  rehabilitating  the  hapless
victims without conditionalities of any kind."

"The Governor has expressed his deep concern with Nandigram being
turned  into  a "war zone" and being "recaptured"  and  the  High
Court  has  ordered  a  full CBI inquiry  within  a  month.  CHRI
endorses  these  statements  and  calls  upon  all  concerned  to
cooperate  fully with the inquiry and take prompt action  on  its
findings  so that all those guilty of taking the law  into  their
own  hand or dereliction of duty are held duly accountable,"  the
CHRI concluded. (ANI)

- AY

Kolkata, Nov 20 (ANI): Traffic was disrupted in Kolkata on Monday
as Trinamool Congress supporters marched towards the city  square
in protest against the violence in Nandigram.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee blamed the armed  cadres
of  the  Communist Party of India (Marxist)  for  unleashing  the
violence.

"We   have  certain  political  integrity,  that's  why  we   are
countering the CPM's misrule. Everyday atrocities have been going
on.  This government has committed so many crimes that one  fails
to  understand, how the CPM has managed all this. CPM cadres  are
in   the  police.  CPM  members  are  infiltrating   daily   into
Nandigram," Mamta said.

Over 100 local journalists also took part in the protest.

Union  Minister  of State for Home Affairs,  Sriprakash  Jaiswal,
however, ruled out Central Government intervention in Nandigram.

"We  send  paramilitary  forces  at  the  request  of  the  State
Government.
Paramilitary forces move on the order of district administration.
We cannot interfere in that matter. That's the responsibility  of
the  State Government and district administration," Jaiswal  said
on the sidelines of a function in Kolkata.

On Monday, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition that called for
Central intervention in Nandigram. The petition was based on  the
report of Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi.

An apex court bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said
that it could not pass such a direction.

It further added that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
was looking into the matter. The NHRC has issued a notice to  the
West Bengal Government and directed it to submit a factual report
on the conditions prevailing in Nandigram within 10 days.

The  Union  Ministry of Home Affairs has also been asked  by  the
Commission  to take all necessary steps to restore peace  in  the
area, and has been asked to submit an action taken report  within
two weeks.

Nandigram  has been the scene of recurring clashes since  January
resulting  in deaths, including 14 in police firing and  violence
on  March  14 when villagers resisted the police  from  entering.
(ANI)
- AY

On board Air India One, Nov. 20 (ANI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asked the West Bengal Government to take necessary steps to restore confidence in the people of trouble-torn Nandigram through the effective deployment of security forces.

"I sincerely hope that the State Government is able to take necessary steps to restore confidence in the people through the effective deployment of security forces," Singh said in a brief prepared statement while en route to Singapore to attend the ASEAN summit.

"Events in Nandigram are most unfortunate, I condole the loss of lives and destruction of property," he said.

"It is the duty of the State Government that all sections regardless of their political affiliations get protection of the law enforcement agencies. I understand the spontaneous outpouring of grief and anguish over the issue as expressed by the artists and intellectuals in Kolkata," Singh said, adding "I hope the State Government heard of this".

He said that Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil has also been asked to remain in touch with the West Bengal Chief Minister Buddadeb Bhattarcharya.

The Prime Minister refused to comment on whether the Nandigram issue would be taken up for discussion in the Winter Session Parliament, saying "I would not like to comment while I am out of the country". He said presiding officers of both Houses are engaged in the exercise of whether there should be a debate or not.

The Winter Session of Parliament has failed to take off so far with the Nandigram issue creating a stalemate in both Houses for a second consecutive day on Tuesday.

The BJP has been insisting on a debate in Parliament and said that the Nandigram issue is not exclusively a State issue since it relates to the acquisition of land for Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is a central subject.

Nandigram has been the scene of recurring clashes over land acquisition for setting up of SEZ since January resulting in deaths, including 14 in police firing and violence on March 14 when villagers prevented the police from entering.

The State Government had planned to set up a SEZ for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give up their farmland for the project. The row saw violent clashes between residents opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police.

At least six villagers were killed and dozens injured in Nandigram, earlier this month, in clashes between rival groups led by Communists and a frontal organisation backed by Trinamool Congress party. (ANI) -AJ

Ranchi/Kolkata, Nov 19 (ANI): Forty-eight-hour long shutdown call by the Maoists against the violent take over of Nandigram by CPI (M) cadres has affected the rail and road traffic in the three states of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar with passengers in Ranchi facing the maximum brunt.

People were held up at railway platforms and received no information about the arrivals of the trains.

The road transport at the highways was also badly affected. Bus drivers refused to bring their buses on roads due to threats from Maoists.

"We are facing a lot of problems, they (Maoists) threaten us and scare us. Few days ago they had called for shutdown, and now after ten days there is a shutdown again. We are scared, anything can happen," said Amrinder Singh, bus driver.

However, a senior state police official says they have provided enough security in the state to ensure the safety of the people.

"Security has been tightened up at the spots where such kind of untoward incidents are expected , and it will not affect the normal life as the police department will make necessary arrangements to ensure the security of the people," said R. K Mullick, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Jharkhand.

Meanwhile, Maoists blew up a rail track in Sainthia-Andal section of Eastern Railways near Suri in West Bengal.

According to railway sources, the three metres of the railway track between Panchsura and Bhimgarh in Birbhum District was found to have been blown up by the railway staff when they went to the spot for routine inspection before the first train of the day began plying.

The repairing work is underway and train movements on the route were suspended.

All police stations across Bihar were put on maximum alert. Security has been beefed up at all sensitive areas, including railway stations and bus depots in view of the shutdown

Zonal Inspectors General of Police, Deputy Inspectors General of Police and Superintendents of Police were asked to maintain extra vigil on the activities of the Maoists.

The raids were conducted by the Special Auxiliary Police and Central Para Military Force in the Maoists dominated areas.

Additional forces were deployed to avoid any kind of untoward incident. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Nov 19 (ANI): A rail track in Sainthia-Andal section of Eastern Railways near Suri in West Bengal was blown up by Maoists on Monday, the first day of the two-day long shutdown by the banned group in states of Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand against the recent violent takeover of Nandigram by CPI (M) cadres.

According to railway sources, the three metres of the railway track between Panchsura and Bhimgarh in Birbhum District was found to have been blown up by the railway staff when they went to the spot for routine inspection before the first train of the day began plying.

The repairing work is underway and train movement on the route were suspended.

All police stations across Bihar were put on maximum alert. Security has been beefed up at all sensitive areas, including railway stations and bus depots in view of the shutdown

Zonal Inspectors General of Police, Deputy Inspectors General of Police and Superintendents of Police were asked to maintain extra vigil on the activities of the Maoists.

The raids were conducted by the Special Auxiliary Police and Central Para Military Force in the Maoists dominated areas.

Additional forces were deployed to avoid any kind of untoward incident.

In West Bengal, Maoist-affected Purulia, Midnapore and Bankura districts were brought under a security net.

In Jharkhand, tight security arrangements were made at all sensitive areas to check any violent incidents.

Instructions were issued to all top police officials to take preventive measures during the shutdown. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: Top-Stories

New Delhi, Nov 19 (ANI): The Supreme Court today dismissed a petition seeking direction to the Centre to take action against the West Bengal Government for the Nandigram violence.

The petition was based on the report of Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said that it cannot pass any such direction.

It further added that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was looking into the matter. The NHRC issued a notice to the West Bengal Government and directed it to submit a factual report on the conditions prevailing in Nandigram within 10 days.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has also been asked by the Commission to take all necessary steps to restore peace in the area, and has been asked to submit an action taken report within two weeks.

Earlier, Gopalkrishna said that manner in which the 'recapture' of Nandigram villages is being attempted is totally unlawful and unacceptable.

"I find it equally unacceptable that while Nandigram has been ingressed with ease by armed people, on the one hand, political and non-political persons trying to reach it have been violently obstructed," he added.

Nandigram has been the scene of recurring clashes since January resulting in deaths, including 14 in police firing and violence on March 14 when villagers resisted the police from entering. (ANI)
--MP

Darjeeling, Nov.18 (ANI): Darjeeling is known world over for its special varieties of tea. With the Western people becoming increasing health conscious, the tea producers here are increasingly diversifying into non-traditional segments.

The latest fascination is organic tea that is hugely popular among western consumers.

Many tea producers in Darjeeling are now producing and marketing the organic variety of tea. Though the concept is not new to the region, tea experts claim that people are returning to the organic and healthy varieties of tea as is the case with other food items these days.

Organic variety of tea is cultivated using natural products for manure and pest control.

"The benefits of this tea are that if you consume this tea, chemicals do not go into your body. We use only all natural things i.e. as a fertilizer we use cow dung that is decomposed and as a spray we use all natural things which remain in the tea and if you take the tea, it is beneficial to your health," said S. Subba, Manager, Sincell Tea Estate.

Chemical fertilizers have been replaced by cow dung as manure while crushed Neem leaves are used for pest control. Even the tea bushes are interspersed with Neem trees to naturally increase the pest control effect.

"Tea has an image of being a very healthy product, but the downside is how many pesticides are being used by the plantations to get this high variety. People are reassured when they see the organic samples," said Vaterie Peyre, a buyer of the organic tea from Switzerland.

The organic tea has already won the attention of international clients despite being comparatively expensive than the normal varieties of tea.

Besides China, Sri Lanka and Kenya are the other major exporters in the global organic tea market.

Exporters hope that very soon the organic tea will be popular in the country of its origin also as people realise its benefits.

Organic Green Darjeeling tea is a rich produce of the Seeyok farms on the India-Nepal border.

Certified as organic by the internationally recognized institutions such as IMO of Switzerland, the tealeaves of these farms impart a unique enriching flavour that is widely sought after around the world.

This tea is cultivated using nature's solutions for pest control and environmental protection. Tea is planted and harvested according to lunar cycles to extract the healthiest crop with the most stimulating flavour (ANI)
--MP

Bangalore, Nov 19 (ANI): Just hours before the B.S.Yeddyurappa led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government's floor test in the Karnataka Assembly, its coalition partner, the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD-S) has issued a whip to vote against the BJP Government during the trust vote.

The decision was taken during the JD-S legislature party meeting this morning. 

JD-S chief supremo H D Deve Gowda directed all legislators to vote against Yeddyurappa.

The BJP needs at least 113 votes to form a government. If the JD (S) votes against Yeddyurappa, he will fall short of majority by 34 votes. If all legislators vote in favour of Yeddyurappa, then he will have the support of 129 legislators in the House.

According to sources, the decision was opposed by many legislators. However, the BJP is still confident about proving its majority.

The JD-S had authorised both Deve Gowda and his son Kumaraswamy to take a final decision in this regard.

The move was reportedly taken after talks between Yeddyurappa and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy over the 12-point MoU collapsed on Sunday.

The JD (S) demands include the post of Deputy Chief Minister to the JD (S) nominee, and portfolios of ministries in consultation with Kumaraswamy.

Further, the JD (S) has demanded portfolios of Mines and Geology and Urban Development, which have been rejected by Yeddyurappa.

He has also rejected JD (S) demand for non-induction of former minister and BJP leader B Sriramulu, who had filed a criminal complaint in August against Kumarswamy, into the Ministry.

Eighteen Ministers belonging to the coalition partner JD (S), including the deputy Chief Minister, are likely to take oath after the government wins a vote of confidence.

Yeddyurappa was sworn-in as Chief Minister of Karnataka on November 12, becoming the first BJP leader to head a government in south India.

Karnataka was placed under President's rule on October 9 and the state legislature was suspended after BJP and JD (S), which headed the coalition government, locked horns over power swap for the Chief Minister's post for the next 20 months.

The JD (S) made an about turn on transfer of power agreement, but a fortnight later patched up with the BJP, which staked claim to form the government on October 27.

The Union Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs took the decision to revoke President's rule in the state earlier this month. (ANI)
- AY

Labels: Politics

Patna/Kolkata/Ranchi, Nov 19 (ANI): The banned CPI (Maoist) is observing a 48-hour shutdown in Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand today to protest against the violence in Nandigram.

All police stations across Bihar have been put on maximum alert in view of the shutdown call.

Security has been beefed up at all sensitive areas, including railway stations and bus depots in view of shutdown

Zonal Inspectors General of Police, Deputy Inspectors General of Police and Superintendents of Police has been asked to maintain extra vigil on the activities of the Maoists.

The raids have already conducted by the Special auxiliary police and central Para military force in the Maoists dominated areas.

Additional forces have been deployed to avoid any kind of untoward incident.

In West Bengal, Maoist-affected Purulia, Midnapore and Bankura districts have been brought under a security net.

In Jharkhand, tight security arrangements have been made at all sensitive areas to check any violent incidents.

Instructions have been issued to all top police officials to take preventive measures during the shutdown. (ANI)

- AY

New Delhi, Nov 19 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will today move an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha on the continuing violence in Nandigram.

Senior party leader Murli Manohar Joshi has already moved a motion in Rajya Sabha for a debate on Nandigram.

"It is highly surprising that Congress is silent on Nandigram. Just because CPI-M is backing UPA government at the Centre, it is improper to forgive its cadre as Nandigram was made a war zone," Joshi said.

The motion seeks suspension of the Question Hour today to allow discussion on the Nandigram issue.

Earlier, BJP leader V K Malhotra said that Nandigram has witnessed severe crime against women and children and the Lok Sabha has a mandate to discuss issues like this, which amounts to a civil war.

The party cited the discussion of the 2002 Gujarat riots in the Parliament as an example of a 'State issue' being debated in the Parliament.

"Why can't Nandigram be discussed when Gujarat has been discussed several times," Malhotra said. 

With the Left Front has shown reluctance for a Parliamentary debate on the issue by citing it to be a "State issue", the party is in no mood to spare the Left on the situation prevailing there, which has led to civil society coming out to protests against the State Government in huge numbers.

Gurudas Das Gupta said that Nandigram could be discussed in the West Bengal Assembly but not in Parliament.

The BJP said that the Nandigram issue is not exclusively a State issue since it relates to the acquisition of land for Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is a central subject. (ANI)
- AY

Labels: Politics

Agartala, Nov 18 (ANI): One person was killed and another seriously injured when the Border Security Force (BSF) opened fire to disperse angry mob during a skirmish on pushback of five Bangladeshi nationals.

The incident took place last evening in the Tilla Bazar border out post (BOP), under Kailasahar police station of North Tripura district.

Police said Ramshu Mian (32) died on the spot, while Alkas Mian (36) with serious bullet injury was admitted to Kailasahar hospital.

According to police, the BSF and Kailasahar police jointly arrested five Muslim Bangladeshi national who were working in a brick kiln from Howar Bazar area on November 15.

On the following day, all five were produced in the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Kailasahar, who ordered imprisonment till rising of the court next and their pushback to Bangladesh. Then police handed over the five Bangladeshi to the Tilla Bazar BOP for push back.

The news spread like wildfire and the agitated mob, which went on increasing ultimately started pelting stone at the BSF.

BSF then finding no other means to disperse the angry mob opened fire, which led to the death of one at the spot, and another was hit by bullet on his back.

Senior police officials, including Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Northern Range B K Ray and Superintendent of Police (SP), North District Uttam Mazumder and District Magistrate (DM), Santanu Das had visited the spot with enforcement to bring the situation under control.

Residents of Tilla Bazar has called a 24-hour shutdown to protest against the incident. (ANI)
- AY

Darjeeling, Nov.16 (ANI): Darjeeling, described to be the "Queen of Hills" in India, has always been a big attraction for tourists. This year too, the all inviting hill station is witnessing a good influx of domestic and international tourists. 

There has been 15 per cent jump in the tourists' inflow this year so far. But the tourism industry here is anticipating a further rise in the coming months, as it is just the beginning of tourist season here.  

"Generally every year the numbers of tourists are increasing. This year also the number is increasing. We are getting a very good response. This year, there was a tremendous turnover of tourists especially in Darjeeling and Sikkim," said Gopal Lama, Director of the State's tourism department.

Last year, the tourist arrival witnessed a 25 per cent rise.

Samrat Sanyal, a tour operator said the increase in the tourist inflow is due to a sustained campaign by the tourism ministry.

"The area is promoted a lot by tour operators and the Government of India in the Incredible India campaign, in the ITB Berlin fair and other international trade fairs. The promo campaign is also going on and promoted by the government of India's tourism ministry. This will help in additional boost to tourism particularly in Darjeeling," said Sanyal.

Cradled in the hills of West Bengal, Darjeeling has always been a favourite destination for tourists because of the snow-capped mountains, including a breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga peak and the pristine beauty of the Himalayas.

Famous world over for its 'Darjeeling Tea', the hill town is the epicentre of India's most celebrated tea growing district and has possibly the most picturesque views among all Indian hill resorts.

Situated at a height of 2,134 meters, Darjeeling is also famous for its 125-year-old railway, a UNESCO world heritage site that attracts hundred thousands of tourists to the picturesque hill station. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: Tourism

Kolkata, Nov 16 (ANI):The Calcutta High Court today dismissed all petitions filed by the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Government in West Bengal in connection with the Nandigram violence on March 14.

The High Court asked the State Government to give compensation of five hundred thousand rupees to the families of those who were killed, two hundred thousand rupees to women who were raped or molested, and one hundred thousand rupees to those who were injured.

The court also rejected the plea of Advocate General Balai Roy, and directed the government to continue the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) inquiry into the matter.

Terming the March 14 killing in Nandigram as "totally unconstitutional", the high court stated that the incident could have been avoided had the police exercised self-restraint.

On November 15, the Bharatiya Janata Party said that it will move an Adjournment Motion over the issue in the Lok Sabha on Monday, and has cited the discussion of the 2002 Gujarat riots in the Parliament as an example of a 'State issue' being debated in the Parliament.

"Why can't Nandigram be discussed when Gujarat has been discussed several times," party leader V K Malhotra had said.

Yesterday, intellectuals and eminent personalities led a march in Kolkata to protest the violence in Nandigram over acquisition of farmland for an industrial hub.

A six-member National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) team visited Nandigram to study the situation and suggest remedial measures.

Earlier, the NHRC issued a notice to the West Bengal Government directing it to submit a factual report on the conditions prevailing in Nandigram within 10 days.

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone
(SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project.

The row saw violent clashes between residents opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police.

At least six villagers were killed and dozens injured in Nandigram last week in clashes between rival groups led by Communists and a frontal organisation backed by Trinamool Congress party. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Nov 16 (ANI): Intellectuals and eminent personalities on Thursday led a march in Kolkata to protest the violence in Nandigram over acquisition of farmland for an industrial hub.

Actors Saumitra Chatterjee and Mithun Chakraborty, singer Debarati Som, former footballer P K Banerjee and Chuni Goswani and famous magician PC Sorkar Junior were participated in the march.

"Everybody should come forward because there is false notion going on. We Bengalis are united. But there are certain forces, they want to break the unity and we won't allow it. That's why we have come here to let the people know that we are united," said Sorkar.

Meanwhile, a six-member National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) team reached Nandigram to study the situation and suggest remedial measures.

A team headed by Senior Superintendent of Police S P Singh will visit violence-torn villages to look into the genesis of the problem.

The team will talk to a cross-section of people as well as the administration in the next two to three days.

The team will also look into the role of police and the local administration to ascertain whether there had been any lapse on their part. 

Earlier, the NHRC issued a notice to the West Bengal Government directing it to submit a factual report on the conditions prevailing in Nandigram within 10 days.

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone
(SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project.

The row saw violent clashes between residetns opposed to the project and the communist supporters as well as police.

At least six villagers were killed and dozens injured in Nandigram last week in clashes between rival groups led by Communists and a frontal organisation backed by Trinamool Congress party. (ANI)
- AY

Kolkata/Bhubaneswar/Chennai, Nov.15 (ANI): Regional Meteorological officials have warned that the West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts will be hit by a severe cyclone, named 'Sidr', at midnight on Thursday.

The cyclone is currently lying 500 kms off Kolkata and gathering momentum. Its speed is being estimated at 180-200 km per hour.

Regional Met office Director G C Debnath said that the the state administration has been alerted to the possibility of coastal areas being severely damaged.

Port authorities have been asked to hoist danger signal No: 10. The cyclone may affect the five coastal districts, including South and North 24 Parganas and East Midnapur, besides, Kolkata city.

Civic authorities have set up a crisis management group, West Bengal Chief Secretary P R Ray said, adding that an alert has already been issued.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for fishing and to stay alert.

The cyclonic storm is also expected to trigger extremely heavy rainfall coupled with high speed gale reaching 60 to 90 kmph over North Orissa, official sources said.

In Chennai, as many as 10 huts at Appar Nagar, a fishing hamlet at Tiruvottiyur, were washed away by surging waves, while sea water entered about 200 houses, forcing residents to flee for safety. Nearly 14 fishing villages in Ennore, Tiruvottiyur, Kasimedu and Ernavur areas had been affected by the tidal waves.

Weather Office sources said alerts had been received from floating stations of the National Institute of Ocean Technology about high tidal waves due to the cyclonic storm brewing over the Bay and heading towards the north.

Rain or thundershower is likely to occur at many places with heavy falls at isolated places over South Orissa during the same period, it said. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Nov 15 (ANI): The violent takeover of Nandigram by CPI (M) cadres and the subsequent justification of it by West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee are likely to come up for a heated discussion in the Lok Sabha on Monday in spite of Left parties reluctance for it.

The opposition BJP will move an Adjournment Motion over the issue in the Lok Sabha on Monday, and has cited the discussion of the 2002 Gujarat riots in the Parliament as an example of a 'State issue' being debated in the Parliament.

"Nandigram has witnessed severe crime against women and children and the Lok Sabha has a mandate to discuss issues like this, which amounts to a civil war," BJP leader V K Malhotra said today.

"Why can't Nandigram be discussed when Gujarat has been discussed several times," Malhotra added.

With the Left Front has shown reluctance for a Parliamentary debate on the issue by citing it to be a "State issue", the BJP is in no mood to spare the Left on the situation prevailing there, which has led to civil society coming out to protests against the State Government in huge numbers.

"Nandigram can be discussed in the West Bengal assembly but not in Parliament," Gurudas Das Gupta said today after top Left leaders met here to decide on their strategy in the Parliament.

However, the BJP has said that the Nandigram issue is not exclusively a State issue since it relates to the acquisition of land for Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is a central subject.

Mweanwhile, the Left getting a cue that the BJP might stall the Parliament if it is denied to move an Adjournment motion, urged the opposition to allow the House to function. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: Politics

New Delhi, Nov 15 (ANI): The approaching cyclone storm 'Sidr' came up for discussion at the Cabinet meeting today with the government reviewing the emergency measures that have been taken up by various Central and State Government authorities to tackle it in the wake of a landfall, which the cyclonic storm is expected to make on Thursday midnight.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued advisory to the States and Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Orissa and West Bengal. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh have also been informed to keep a close watch, stated a release issued by the Cabinet.

They have been requested to take appropriate precautionary measures keeping the Home Ministry informed about any development, it added.

The Relief Commissioners of West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are being updated with regular information about the cyclone, and the Home Ministry has also alerted the BSF, NDRF, and CISF Battalion at Mundali in Orissa for deployment and relief work.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), 'Sidr', which was formed in the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday, is only 530 kilometres south of Kolkata, and has shown "fast movement" during the last three hours.

The cyclonic system with maximum sustained wind speed of 200 kmph is likely to cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coast east of Sagar Island today around midnight, the IMD has stated. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Nov 14 (ANI): After justifying the violence in Nandigram during CPI (M)'s cadres bid to control the area, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, today announced a relief and rehabilitation package of one crore rupees for the farmers there.

Reiterating the statement made by CPM state secretary Biman Bose that there was a "new dawn" in Nandigram following the 'recapture', Bhattacharjee said that the government has allocated Rs one crore from the Chief Minister`s Relief Fund for relief and rehabilitation.

"The fund is being sent to the (East Midnapore) district magistrate. From this, Rs 10,000 would be given to the returning families for reconstruction of fully damaged houses and Rs 5000 for partially damaged ones. Each family would be given another Rs 1,000 for buying utensils," he said.

Bhattacharjee also said that the funds would be given to the affected families irrespective of their political affiliation.

When asked whether he stuck to his view that the opposition parties had been paid back in their own coin, " Bhattacharjee said: "I am saying today what I have said yesterday. Those who returned home merely followed the tactics of the opposition."

Meanwhile, the CRPF has taken full control and established themselves in all the violence torn villages.

However, on Wednesday morning, CPI-M cadres in Garhchakraberia village allegedly beat three supporters of Trinamool backed Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee.

Earlier, thousands of people took to the streets here to join a silent procession of intellectuals, film personalities, writers, painters and people from other walks of life to condemn the Nandigram massacre by the CPI (M).

The mammoth procession started from College Square in North Kolkata and marched to Dharamtollah in Central Kolkata.

Film directors Mrinal Sen, Goutam Ghosh, Rituparna Ghosh, film director-actor Aparna Sen, painters Jogen Chowdhury and Shuvoprasanna, poet Joy Goswami, theatre personalities Bibash Chakraborty, Saonli Mitra and Kaushik Sen marched wearing black badges. (ANI) --MP

Kolkata, Nov 14 (ANI): Thousands of people from varied field, including the intelligentsia, took out a protest march here on Wednesday against the violence in West Bengal's Nandigram area.

Demonstrators marched through the streets of Kolkata streets carrying placards and raising slogans against the Left Front Government headed by Chief Minister Buddhabed Bhattacharjee.

"It's a protest. A protest against the continuing atrocities in Nandigram," said eminent filmmaker Aparna Sen.

"Today thousands of people from all parts of Kolkata, the artists, the filmmakers, the dramatists, and the actors have joined the rally in protest of the massacre in Nandigram," said eminent film director Supriya Sengupta.

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a special export zone
(SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, 150 km southwest of Kolkata, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project.

In the last week, at least six villagers have been killed in Nandigram, as they fought CPI (M) cadres. Dozens of villagers were also injured in the clashes.

The row saw violent clashes between locals opposed to the project and the ruling Left Front supporters as well as the police.

The violence in Nandigram has been a political embarrassment for the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which is heading the Left Front Government in West Bengal.

The CPI (M) leaders and the police have blamed the Maoists for the recent violence in Nandigram.

But, the CPI (M)'s own allies have criticised the government, and some ministers in the government threatened to resign over Nandigram issue. (ANI) --MP

Kolkata, Nov 15 (ANI): A six-member National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) team will visit West Bengal's Nandigram area today to study the situation and suggest remedial measures.

A team headed by Senior Superintendent of Police S P Singh will also visit the violence-torn villages to look into the genesis of the problem.

The team will also look into the role of police and the local administration to ascertain whether there had been any lapse on their part. 

Earlier, the NHRC issued a notice to the West Bengal Government directing it to submit a factual report on the conditions prevailing in Nandigram within 10 days.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has also been asked by the Commission to take all necessary steps to restore peace in the area, and has been asked to submit an action taken report within two weeks.

The move by the Commission comes, as situation in Nandigram remains tense with incidents of gunfiring reported almost daily.

The area remains cut-off from the rest of the country with CPI (M) cadres and activists belonging to Trinamool Congress party supported Bhumi Uched Praitirodhi Committee continue fighting for control over the surrounding areas.

The Commission had received messages from different social activists, including Medha Patkar, who was allegedly attacked by CPI (M) cadres in the State when she tried to enter Nandigram. (ANI)

- AY

Kolkata, Nov 13 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya today appealed for help to the villagers returning to their homes in trouble-torn Nandigram in the State's East Midnapore District.

The villagers had started fleeing their homes and hearths from January following battles between CPI-M cadres and Bhoomi Ucched Pratirodh Committee supporters.

Bhattacharya pointed out that there was no government fund available for victims of political strife.

He said those returning to their homes in Nandigram were facing burnt down houses, destroyed crops and missing cattle, adding that reconstruction was required on priority basis and all should come forward to help the poor people.

Bhattacharya assured that the government's priority was to restore normalcy in government offices in the area to start the developmental work.

Commencement of schools, restoration of communication and adequate health care facilities were his priorities, Bhattacharya told reporters here.

In reply to a question regarding CPI-M cadres' alleged armed recapture of lost territory in Nandigram, the Chief Minister counter-questioned whether those who had evicted the CPI-M cadres from their homes initially were armed or unarmed.

He said those who are now alleging that it's the silence of the cemetery in Nandigram, should question themselves whether it was the silence of the heavens there in the last eleven months.

The Chief Minister made it clear that his government wanted to put the horrors of the last 11 months in Nandigram behind, and move ahead with developmental work to bring progress in East Midnapore District.

Nandigram has been the scene of recurring clashes since January resulting in deaths, including 14 in police firing and violence on March 14 when villagers resisted the police from entering the area.

A state-wide shutdown called by the Opposition parties, on Monday, to protest against the continuing violence in Nandigram over acquisition of lands, brought the life in various parts of the State to a grinding halt.

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas to prevent acts of violence. The Centre, recently, sent a battalion of CRPF (1000 personnel) in the wake of the deteriorating law and order situation

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a special economic zone (SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project. (ANI) --MP

New Delhi, Nov 13 (ANI): Activists of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) New Democracy (CPI (ML) ND) held a protest demonstration here today against the West Bengal government for alleged aggression on villagers, who are opposed to the acquisition of land for setting up economic zones in the state.

Protestors demanded that the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led State government should resign.

Aparna, Secretary of the Delhi committee of the (CPI (ML) ND), said: "Our main demand is that the West Bengal government under the CPI-M should resign and the police and the CPI-M hoodlums should be removed from Nandigram."

They also demanded reinstatement of burnt houses, and those who were driven off their land.

Protestors held placards that read "Arrest Butchers of Nandigram" and "Scrap Sez Act 2005", and shouted slogans demanding the arrest of those responsible for perpetrating violence in Nandigram.

In the last one week, at least six people have been killed in Nandigram, as the Bhummi Ucched Pratirodhi Committee (BUPC) activists and CPI-M cadres fought pitched battles. Dozens of villagers were injured in the clashes.

The protest by ultras came a day after the CPI-M General Secretary Prakash Karat blamed the Maoists for violence in Nandigram.

National Security Advisor M K Narayanan has also held Maoists responsible for violence and said that the Maoists have intruded in Nandigram and neighbouring areas in West Bengal, and this is creating a problem.

But the CPI-M allies have criticised the government, and some ministers in the State's Left Front alliance have threatened to resign over the Nandigram issue.

The Forward Bloc, the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI), on Sunday, squarely blamed the CPI-M for the continuing violence and killings in Nandigram.

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project. (ANI) --MP

Labels: Politics

New Delhi, Nov 12 (ANI): Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)
General Secretary Prakash Karat on Monday blamed the Maoists for
violence in Nandigram, even as the situation in Nandigram showed no
sign of improvement.

A day after CPI (M) cadres marched on the streets of Nandigram after
taking control of a large part of the area, the party's general
secretary blamed opposition political parties and Maoists for the
deteriorating law and order situation there.

Describing the situation in Nandigram as 'abnormal', Karat said people
were against Maoists.

"Because the democratically elected opponents cannot dislodge us, we
are not going to allow them to dislodge us by force through the
elements like Maoists. This is the point we would like to make as far
as Nandigram is concerned," Karat said indirectly alleging opposition
Trinamool taking the help of Maoists to flare up the situation there.

Karat, whose party cadres are being squarely blamed by the opposition
and the other constituents of Left Front for the violence, said that
the proposed chemical hub at Nandigram had been shifted to another
location 11 months back and hence there was no question of conflict
over the issue.

He said that the Left parties are well represented from the Panchayat
to the State level in West Bengal, and certain elements wanted to wipe
out the CPI-M and other Left parties.

To support his observation on Maoists, Karat recalled National
Security Advisor M K Narayanan's Sunday's remarks that Maoists have
intruded in Nandigram and neighbouring areas in West Bengal, and this
is creating a problem, which has become the concern of both the Centre
and the West Bengal Government.

Narayanan had termed the situation in Nandigram as 'tricky', and had
said that it was a clear case of Maoists' involvement.

Meanwhile, fresh firing was reported in Saraswati Bazaar, Chowranghee
Bazaar and Amgachia villages in Nandigram.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel also entered Nandigram today.

The Centre has sent a battalion of CRPF (1000 personnel) in the wake
of the deteriorating law and order situation.

Life came to a grinding halt today in various parts of West Bengal due
to the shutdown called by several Opposition parties to protest
against the continuing violence in Nandigram over acquisition of lands
for an industrial zone.

According to police, shutdown supporters blocked vehicular traffic and
train movement in different parts of the state this morning.

Shops, business establishments and educational institutions were closed.

And even as the flight services remained normal, train services - both
long distance and suburban -- were disrupted.

Incidents of rail blockades were also reported from Baruipur,
Nabadwip, Bansberia, Chengail, Bauria, Ramrajatala and Bagnan
stations.

Sporadic incidents of violence were reported during the shutdown. A
state bus was also set on fire near Moulali in central Kolkata.

Industrial areas such as Haldia, Durgapur, Kalyani and the Salt Lake's
IT hub were hit due to a low turn out of workers on jobs.

This is the second shutdown after the State was paralysed by Trinamool
Congress' 'Halt Bengal' on October 31.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi met CPI-M
patriarch Jyoti Basu to seek his initiative to restore peace.

Violence in Nandigram has invited strong reactions from within the
Left alliance and the Opposition parties.

The Forward Bloc, the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and the
Communist Party of India (CPI), on Sunday, squarely blamed the CPI-M
for the continuing violence and killings in Nandigram.

BJP President Rajnath Singh, who is in Bangalore for the swearing-in
ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddiyurappa, demanded the
dismissal of the West Bengal government. (ANI) --MP

New Delhi, Nov 12 (ANI): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
today issued a notice to the West Bengal Government directing it to
submit a factual report on the conditions prevailing in Nandigram
within 10 days.

The Commission is also sending its own team to the disturbed areas "to
study the situation and suggest remedial measures", NHRC officials
stated.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has also been asked by the
Commission to take all necessary steps to restore peace in the area,
and has been asked to submit an action taken report within two weeks.

The move by the Commission comes, as situation in Nandigram remains
tense with incidents of gunfiring reported almost daily.

The area remains cut-off from the rest of the country with CPI (M)
cadres and activists belonging to Trinamool Congress party supported
Bhumi Uched Praitirodhi Committee continue fighting for control over
the surrounding areas.

The Commission had received messages from different social activists,
including Medha Patkar, who was allegedly attacked by CPI (M) cadres
in the State when she tried to enter Nandigram.

"Patkar had expressed fear that the gherao of Nandigram might lead to
serious and unprecedented bloodshed. She had expressed apprehension
whether the State government would be willing to stop the violence or
not," a release issued by the Commission stated. (ANI)-MP

Kolkata, Nov 13 (ANI): Leader of Opposition L K Advani today said that what has happened in Nandigram was shocking beyond words.

He also said that he has sought a discussion on the issue in the coming Winter Session of Parliament that starts on November 15. 

"We believe while a discussion on the nuclear deal is important, but no less important is a discussion on Nandigram and the plight of the farmers there," he told reporters at the N S C Bose International Airport here before leaving for Nandigram.

The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) might be obsessed with international issue and the nuke deal, but as far the nation was concerned "we saw how the CPI (M) Government led by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has nuked the farmers in Nandigram and nuked the government of India," he added.

He also expressed surprise that no Central Minister and the State Chief Minister has visited trouble-torn area.

Advani and other senior party leaders have come here to take stock of the situation in the wake of the continuing violence over acquisition of land for an industrial zone in Nandigram.

Besides visiting village in East Midnapore district, the delegation will also visit hospitals to meet the injured people.

The delegation includes Sushma Swaraj and S. S. Ahluwalia (Bharatiya Janata Party), Sharad Yadav (Janta Dal-United), B K Tripathi (Biju Janata Dal), Anant Geethe (Shiv Sena), Sukhbir Singh Badal (Akali Dal) and Chandan Mitra and Sharad Joshi (both MPs).

Party President Rajnath Singh on Monday demanded the dismissal of the West Bengal Government. He also criticised the UPA Government at the Centre for not initiating any steps to restore peace in Nandigram.

"In West Bengal, there is a complete furore of constitutional machinery. The State Government has abdicated its responsibility to protect the constitution and the people of Nandigram. If dispute like land acquisition for industrial purposes are to be decided by the private armies of CPI(M), this will send a very dangerous signal not only in West Bengal but throughout the country," Singh said.

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a special export zone
(SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project. (ANI)
- AY

Labels: Politics

Kolkata, Nov 13 (ANI): Life is fast returning to normal in Nandigram, a day after a state-wide shutdown was called by the Opposition in protest over the acquisition of land for a industrial zone.

According to official sources, there was no report of fresh violence.

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas to prevent acts of violence.

CRPF personnel have carried out overnight raids in several areas of Nandigram, following reports of retaliatory attacks by Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) cadres on the anti-Special Economic Zone (SEZ) agitators who had controlled the area for the last 11 months.

The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) have in the meanwhile announced their withdrawal of a 48-hour-long shutdown.

The BJP,too,  has withdrawn its shutdown call after Leader of Opposition LK Advani and other senior party leaders said they will visit Nandigram today to take stock of the situation.

The SUCI withdrew its strike call saying it wanted to prepare for a procession by artists and intellectuals against the government's handling of the Nandigram issue.

Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee has also said that her party had no programme to halt normal life in the state.

Earlier, the Forward Bloc, the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) squarely blamed the CPI-M for the continuing violence in Nandigram. (ANI)
- AY

Kolkata, Nov 13 (ANI): A nine-member National Democratic Alliance (NDA) delegation, led by Leader of Opposition L K Advani will visit Nandigram today to take stock of the situation in the wake of the continuing violence over acquisition of land for an industrial zone.

Besides visiting village in East Midnapore district, the delegation will also visit hospitals to meet the injured people.

The delegation includes Sushma Swaraj and S. S. Ahluwalia (Bharatiya Janata Party), Sharad Yadav (Janta Dal-United), B K Tripathi (Biju Janata Dal), Anant Geethe (Shiv Sena), Sukhbir Singh Badal (Akali Dal) and Chandan Mitra and Sharad Joshi (both MPs).

Party President Rajnath Singh on Monday demanded the dismissal of the West Bengal Government. He also criticised the UPA Government at the Centre for not initiating any steps to restore peace in Nandigram.

"In West Bengal, there is a complete furore of constitutional machinery. The State Government has abdicated its responsibility to protect the constitution and the people of Nandigram. If dispute like land acquisition for industrial purposes are to be decided by the private armies of CPI(M), this will send a very dangerous signal not only in West Bengal but throughout the country," Singh said.

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a special export zone
(SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project.

Singh had said that the "Marxian way" of establishing a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) through unprecedented violence was unacceptable for any civilised society.

The party is likely to raise the issues during the winter session of Parliament that starts on November 15. (ANI)

- AY

Labels: Politics

Kolkata/Durgapur (West Bengal). Nov 12 (ANI): Normal life in West
Bengal has been hit by the shutdown being observed today by the
opposition parties to protest the continuing violence in Nandigram
over acquisition of lands for an industrial zone.

The Trinamool Congress has called an indefinite shutdown, the Congress
and the CPI-ML have called for 24-hour shutdown, while the Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) is observing a 48-hour shutdown.

The Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) has extended the period of
its shutdown call to 48 hours from 24 hours.

According to police, shutdown supporters blocked vehicular traffic and
train movement in different parts of the state this morning.

Incidents of rail blockades were also reported from Baruipur,
Nabadwip, Bansberia, Chengail, Bauria, Ramrajatala and Bagnan
stations.

Shops, business establishments and educational institutions were closed.

Trinamool Congress workers took out a protest rally in support of the shutdown.

"Nandigram is actually been turned in to a pool of blood and
(Trinamool Congress chief) Mamta Banerjee has called for shutdown to
oppose this. We are demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister of
West Bengal, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya," said Madan Mitra, a Trinamool
Congress leader.

Meanwhile, residents, who are most affected by the shutdown, requested
the political parties to find some other way of staging protest.

"The state is losing indirectly crores of money due to shutdown. It
may be for genuine cause but there are other ways to protest too,"
said Rahul Murarka, a resident.

At some places the shutdown supporters torched the state-run buses,
which were running despite the shutdown call.

Police have registered complaint for arson, but say no one was injured
in the incident.

"We have registered a complaint against the incident (of torching
buses). This is a scattered incident, but we are looking into the
matter," said Deep Shankar Rudra, Additional Superintendent of Police,
Burdwan.

Over 5, 000 police personnel have been deployed at metro stations, bus
and truck terminals and other sensitive areas.

The Centre has already sent a battalion of Central Reserve Police
Force (CRPF) (1000 personnel) in the wake of the deteriorating law and
order situation.

This is the second shutdown after the state was paralysed by Trinamool
Congress' 'halt Bengal' on October 31.

On Sunday, the Forward Bloc, the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP)
and the Communist Party of India (CPI) squarely blamed the Communist
Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) for the continuing violence and
killings in Nandigram.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee sat on an
indefinite dharna demanding complete restoration of peace in
Nandigram.

Social activist Medha Patkar on the same day met Governor Gopalkrishna
Gandhi at the Raj Bhavan and reportedly apprised the Governor of the
present situation in Nandigram.

On Saturday, Mamata, who is backing the Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh
Committee (BUPC) - an anti-land acquisition front, resigned as Member
of Parliament. (ANI)
--
-AA

Kolkata, Nov 12 (ANI): Normal life in West Bengal has been hit by the shutdown being observed today by the opposition parties to protest the continuing violence in Nandigram over acquisition of lands for an industrial zone.

The Trinamool Congress has called an indefinite shutdown, the Congress and the CPI-ML have called for 24-hour shutdown, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is observing a 48-hour shutdown.

The Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) has extended the period of its shutdown call to 48 hours from 24 hours.

According to police, shutdown supporters blocked vehicular traffic and train movement in different parts of the state this morning. 

A state bus was reportedly torched near Moulali in central Kolkata. The movement of vehicular traffic were thin.

Incidents of rail blockades were also reported from Baruipur, Nabadwip, Bansberia, Chengail, Bauria, Ramrajatala and Bagnan stations.

Shops, business establishments and educational institutions were closed.

Over 5, 000 police personnel have been deployed at metro stations, bus and truck terminals and other sensitive areas.

The Centre has already sent a battalion of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) (1000 personnel) in the wake of the deteriorating law and order situation.

This is the second shutdown after the state was paralysed by Trinamool Congress' 'halt Bengal' on October 31.

On Sunday, the Forward Bloc, the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) squarely blamed the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) for the continuing violence and killings in Nandigram.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee sat on an indefinite dharna demanding complete restoration of peace in Nandigram.

Social activist Medha Patkar on the same day met Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi at the Raj Bhavan and reportedly apprised the Governor of the present situation in Nandigram.

On Saturday, Mamata, who is backing the Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC) - an anti land acquisition front, resigned as Member of Parliament. (ANI)
- AY

Labels: Top-Stories

On Board Air India One, Nov. 11 (ANI): National Security Advisor M K Narayanan today said that Maoists have intruded in Nandigram and neighbouring areas in West Bengal, and this is creating a problem which has become the concern of both the Centre and the West Bengal Government.
 
Terming the situation there (Nandigram) as 'tricky', Narayanan said that it is a clear case of Maoists' involvement.
 
Narayanan, who is accompanying Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on a two-day visit to Russia, said that Dr. Singh is in constant touch with Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and is closely monitoring the situation there.
 
"We are concerned. The idea is that no more casualties happen there," Narayanan said.
 
At least two people have been killed as alleged CPI-M cadres are battling with activists of the Trinamool Congress under the umbrella of the Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee in Nandigram.
 
The Centre has already sent a battalion of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) (1000 personnel) to West Bengal in the wake of the deteriorating law and order situation there.
 
Meanwhile, reports from Kolkata today indicated that the Forward Bloc, the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) have squarely blamed the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) for the continuing violence and killings in Nandigram.
 
"All the three Left Front allies hold the CPI-M solely responsible for the present situation in Nandigram. We do not support what has been going on there and unequivocally condemn the barbarism and spiralling violence taking place in the area," CPI state secretary Manju Kumar Majumdar told reporters after an emergency meeting of the three parties at the Forward Bloc office in Kolkata.
 
"We ask the Left Front government to immediately restore normality and peace in the area," he added.
 
The Left Front partners condemned the violence in Nandigram, but said they do not support Monday's opposition shutdown call.
 
While the Congress and the Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) have separately called a 24-hour shutdown, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appealed for a 48-hour shutdown from Monday.
 
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has announced an indefinite stir to cripple the state from the same day.
 
The renewed violence from Saturday in Nandigram, about 150 km from here in East Midnapore district, has taken the death toll since January to 34. (ANI) --MP

Labels: Top-Stories

New Delhi, Nov 11 (ANI): The issue of violence in Nandigram in West Bengal's East Midnapore District dominated the first day of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Politburo two-day meeting, which began in New Delhi today.
 
West Bengal Left Front Chairman Biman Bose informed the politburo members about the situation in Nandigram.
 
After the meeting, Bose said that he gave a detailed presentation on the matter, recalling the incidents since January when several hundred families were forced out of their homes in Nandigram and took refuge in camps.
 
On the differences within the Left Front in the wake of three of the Left Front constituent Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) ministers warning to pull out of the government over the issue, Politburo member Sitaram Yechury claimed there were no cracks in the ruling alliance.
 
Three RSP ministers -- Kshiti Goswami, Biswanath Chowdhury and Subhas Naskar - have expressed their desire to quit from the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government in West Bengal over the Nandigram issue.
 
West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee is not attending the meeting. He is in Kolkata to review the situation in Nandigram, in view that the opposition Trinamool Congress has called for an indefinite state-wide shutdown from Monday.
 
Earlier today, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee took a motorbike ride after alleged CPI-M cadres obstructed her convoy that was heading towards Nandigram.
 
Banerjee met those, who were injured in clashes over the land acquisition row in Nandigram, admitted in a state-run hospital in Nandigram.
 
Banerjee blasted the CPI-M led State Government for its apathy towards the prevailing situation.
 
She added that she had to face lot of difficulties in reaching the hospital.
 
"There is a blockade leading up to the hospital. We faced lot of difficulties in reaching here," said Banerjee.
 
After meeting the injured, Banerjee said: "Many injured persons couldn't reach the hospital. Most of the injured admitted here have bullet ridden injuries."
 
The injured have been admitted in Tamluk and Egra hospitals in Nandigram. The condition of some of the injured is critical. (ANI) --MP

Labels: Politics

Kolkata, Nov 11 (ANI): Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee today took a motorbike ride after alleged Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) cadres obstructed her convoy that was heading towards Nandigram.

After this, the former Union Minister proceeded towards Tamluk Hospital on her way to Nandigaram on a motorbike.

Her supporters riding two-wheelers escorted Banerjee to the hospital where the injured of the yesterday clashes were admitted.

Yesterday, Banerjee resigned from her South Kolkata Lok Sabha seat in protest against the continuing violence in Nandigram, which has become a 'battlefield' between CPI (M) cadres and activists of a Trinamool supported group.

Announcing her resignation at a press conference here, Banerjee said, "I am sending my resignation letters to all concerned."

Banerjee also threatened to 'paralyse' life in the State for an indefinite period, beginning from Monday.

Saturday remained a day of swift developments in West Bengal over the ongoing law and order crisis in Nandigram, with Centre sending one battalion of paramilitary forces in the State.

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil also spoke to West Bengal Chief Minister Chief Buddhadeb Bhatacharjee and urged him to take immediate steps to ensure the return of people back to their villages, who have been displaced from their homes by the simmering tension there.

Yesterday, the CPI-M said that West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi's had crossed the "constitutional limit of the highest office of the state," by making remarks over Nandigram.

On Friday, Gopalkrishna had said, "The manner in which the 'recapture' of Nandigram villages is being attempted is totally unlawful and unacceptable."

"I find it equally unacceptable that while Nandigram has been ingressed with ease by armed people, on the one hand, political and non-political persons trying to reach it have been violently obstructed," he added.

CPI-M state secretary and Politburo member Biman Bose told reporters that the Governor has "failed" to maintain neutrality and he has not acted in an impartial manner, Bose said.

The Governor's remarks would only help those determined to incite further violence by mobilising innocent people as a shield for gunmen, a party statement said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has also expressed concern over Nandigram violence.

Nandigram has been the scene of recurring clashes since January resulting in deaths, including 14 in police firing and violence on March 14 when villagers resisted the police from entering. (ANI)
--
-AA

Labels: Top-Stories

Kolkata, Nov 10 (ANI): Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee has
resigned from her South Kolkata Lok Sabha seat in protest against the
continuing violence in Nandigram, which has become a 'battlefield'
between CPI (M) cadres and activists of a Trinamool supported group.

Announcing her resignation at a press conference here, Banerjee, said,
"I am sending my resignation letters to all concerned."

Banerjee also threatened to 'paralyse' life in the State for an
indefinite period, beginning from Monday.

"It is no longer possible to carry on political activities in West
Bengal under the oppressive, one-party rule of the Communist Party of
India-Marxist (CPI-M)", Banerjee said.

Saturday remained a day of swift developments in West Bengal over the
ongoing law and order crisis in Nandigram, with Centre sending one
battalion of paramilitary forces in the State.

"Government of India has been keeping a watch on the situation in
Nandigram area in West Bengal and has also been in touch with the
State Government, calling upon them to take urgent steps to restore
normalcy in the area," a Union Home Ministry release stated.

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil also spoke to West Bengal Chief
Minister Chief Buddhadeb Bhatacharjee and urged him to take immediate
steps to ensure the return of people back to their villages, who have
been displaced from their homes by the simmering tension there. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: Politics

Kolkata, Nov 10 (ANI): Close on the heels of West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi's remark over Nandigram, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) today said that the Governor has crossed the "constitutional limit of the highest office of the state."On Friday, Gopalkrishna had said, "The manner in which the 'recapture' of Nandigram villages is being attempted is totally unlawful and unacceptable." "I find it equally unacceptable that while Nandigram has been ingressed with ease by armed people, on the one hand, political and non-political persons trying to reach it have been violently obstructed," he added. "The governor's statement will embolden the forces determined to destabilise peace and democracy in the state in a most undemocratic manner," CPI-M state secretary and Politburo member Biman Bose told reporters. The Governor has "failed" to maintain neutrality and he has not acted in an impartial manner, Bose said. 

The Governor's remarks would only help those determined to incite further violence by mobilising innocent people as a shield for gunmen, a party statement said. Bose also said that it was "very sad and painful" that Gopalkrishna Gandhi went public with his statement on Nandigram instead of communicating his view to the Buddhadeb Bhatacharjee Government. When asked his party would demand recall of the Governor, Bose said, "We are not saying anything at the moment on this." Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has also expressed concern over Nandigram violence and asked Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to look into it urgently. Nandigram has been the scene of recurring clashes since January resulting in deaths, including 14 in police firing and violence on March 14 when villagers resisted the police from entering. (ANI) -AJ

Labels: Politics

Kolkata, Nov 10 (ANI): Social activist Medha Patkar today began a 48-hour hunger strike demanding Central government's intervention to restore peace in the violence-hit Nandigram in West Bengal's East Midnapore District.

Patkar, joined by the representatives of Forum of Artistes, and other social forums, including groups of cultural activists and intellectuals, is demanding withdrawal all cadres, apparently belonging to the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), from Nandigram.

Patkar, whose convoy was allegedly attacked by CPI-M supporters when she was on her way to Nandigram on Thursday, met Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi on Friday and submitted a memorandum demanding "urgent intervention by the Governor as well as the Government of India to open up Nandigram by ensuring withdrawal of siege and stopping outsiders from entering."

Patkar also alleged that the police there behaved in a partisan manner.

She has also called a mass rally on November 14 without any political banner.

Meanwhile, the CPI (M) state committee is holding a meeting on Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi's statement on Nandigram violence issued on Friday.

Gandhi termed as "unlawful and unacceptable" the manner of recapture of villages in Nandigram that has become a "war zone".

"The manner in which the recapture of Nandigram villages is being attempted is totally unlawful and unacceptable," the Governor said in a statement to the media without naming the CPI-M-led State government.

There are reports of forcibly recapture of most areas in Nandigram.

A new turf war between the CPI-M cadres and Trinamool Congress workers has already claimed four lives, besides leaving thousands homeless and dozens injured.

Earlier, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed concern over Nandigram violence and asked Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to look into it urgently.

Nandigram has been the scene of recurring clashes since January resulting in deaths, including 14 in police firing and violence on March 14 when villagers resisted the police from entering.

Sporadic clashes between rival groups have continued despite the State government's decision against the setting up of a chemical hub in the area in the face of protests from a section of the people there. (ANI)
- AY

Labels: Top-Stories

Nungi Village (West Bengal), Nov 9 (ANI): Women at a nondescript village in South 24 Parganas District of West Bengal have earned a big reputation here by excelling in making firecrackers during Diwali, the festival of lights. Nungi Village is today popular for its fine quality crackers all around the State. The fireworks prepared here have a high demand in different parts of the country, especially on Diwali when people burst firecrackers and illuminate earthen lamps at homes marking Lord Rama's homecoming to his kingdom in Ayodhya. Firework production has evolved as a cottage industry here offering employment such a vast number of housewives and girls.  "Around 3,000 women are engaged. Of course, it is at a great risk but we do all this for our family," said Sujata Das, one of the firework workers of Nungi Village. Everyone learns the art of preparing fireworks by the elder women of the family.

However, after the ban in West Bengal on bursting firecrackers with loud sound, the business has suffered a major setback but the women workers have kept the tradition alive by focusing on making soundless or crackers of low intensity. Crackers like "Chakri" ( a revolving cracker) and "Hawai" (rocket) are now the most favourite crackers  produced here. Many people, however, complaint that local police still harass individuals even if they buy low-intensity crackers. It has affected the local business here.
"Prospective buyers are discouraged due to the fear of police nabbing them with the fire crackers. Consequently, the sale of fire crackers in our state is disappointing, as people hardly purchase them," Samiran Das, a shopkeeper of the village. "The small fire works like flower pots and sparklers made patiently by these women supplement the meagre family income. So it is an income generating activity," said Basudeb Das, the owner of a small production unit. (ANI) -AJ

Kolkata/Haldia, Nov 8 (ANI): The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) activists allegedly attacked social activist Medha Parkar's convoy while she was on her way to Nandigram today.
 
Patkar's convoy was attacked at Kapaseberia in East Midnapore District of the state. 
 
She was going to Nandigram to attend anti-land acquisition protests.
 
Condemning the attack, allegedly carried out by CPI-M cadres, Patkar questioned the role of the police personnel posted nearby.
 
Inspector General of Police (law and order), West Bengal, Raj Kanojia said in Kolkata that one of the vehicles in Patkar's convoy was damaged.
 
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government announced compensation of two lakh rupees for those who were killed in March 14 police firing in Nandigram.
 
A new turf war between the CPI-M cadres and Trinamool Congress workers has already claimed four lives, besides leaving thousands homeless and dozens injured.
 
On Wednesday, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee took to the streets to demand central intervention and the immediate dismissal of the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Government.
 
CPI (M) and the BUPC supporters exchanged several rounds of fire at Gokulnagar, Ranichak, Bhangaberia and Satengabari.
 
Earlier, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed concern over Nandigram violence and asked Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to look into it urgently.
 
Nandigram has been the scene of recurring clashes since January resulting in deaths, including 14 in police firing and violence on March 14 when villagers resisted the police from entering. (ANI) --MP

Kolkata/Haldia, Nov 8 (ANI): The West Bengal government today announced compensation of two lakh rupees for those who were killed in March 14 police firing in Nandigram.

"A compensation of 200 thousand rupees will be given to the families of 14 people who died on March 14," West Bengal Chief Secretary Amit Kiran Deb told reporters here.

"Some of the police officers that were found to be responsible have been transferred by the State Government and the rest of them will also be transferred soon," he added.

The announcement comes a day after there were reports of fresh clashes in Nandigram.

The violence erupted on Wednesday when members of the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) reportedly attempted to recapture land in Nandigram proposed for special economic zone.

In Nandigram, the new turf war between the CPI-M cadres and Trinamool Congress workers has already claimed four lives, besides leaving thousands homeless and dozens injured.

On Wednesday, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee took to the streets to demand central intervention and the immediate dismissal of the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Government.  

CPI (M) and the BUPC supporters exchanged several rounds of fire at Gokulnagar, Ranichak, Bhangaberia and Satengabari.

Earlier, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed concern over Nandigram violence and asked Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to look into it urgently.

Nandigram has been the scene of recurring clashes since January resulting in deaths, including 14 in police firing and violence on March 14 when villagers resisted the police from entering. (ANI) --MP

Nandigram, Nov 8 (ANI): A candlelight vigil that began at 6.00 p.m. on Wednesday will continue for the next 100 hours over a demand for restoration of peace in Nandigram.

The vigil is being spearheaded by the same group of people who went on a vigil for computer graphic teacher Rizwanur Rehman.

The venue for the vigil is outside St Xavier's College.

The first candlelight vigil was held in Kolkata was in the Rizwanur case where the public demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into his death.

Rizawanur's body was found on the railway tracks between Bidhannagar Road and Dum Dum Junction on September 21, almost a month after his marriage to Priyanka Todi, daughter of a Hindu businessman.

In Nandigram, a turf war between the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and Trinamool Congress workers has already claimed four lives, besides leaving thousands homeless and dozens injured.

On Wednesday, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee took to the streets to demand central intervention and the immediate dismissal of the government of West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. 

Two persons were killed and 10 others were injured in a fresh bout of violence on Tuesday. The casualties were the victims of a landmine explosion in the area.

CPI (M) and the BUPC supporters exchanged several rounds of fire at Gokulnagar, Ranichak, Bhangaberia and Satengabari.

Earlier, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed concern over Nandigram violence and asked Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to look into it urgently.

Nandigram has been the scene of recurring clashes since January resulting in deaths, including 14 in police firing and violence on March 14 when villagers resisted the police from entering. (ANI)

- AY

AA: Siliguri (West Bengal), Nov 6 (ANI): Indian Railways is exploring ways to open railway links with Nepal and Bhutan.

Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) has conducted engineering and traffic surveys on these routes and is to submit its final report
shortly.

At present the movement of most of the goods from and to these countries takes place by road through India.

The railway connectivity is also expected to speed up development activities in the border areas of India.

"Survey is going on and we have discussions with the vested parties. We are asking for opening of railway links with our neighbouring countries," said Basudeb Acharia, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee.

India is envisaging a total of 161 kilometers of railway line from three of its states Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal connecting five different places in Nepal.

There is also proposal to start railway link between India and Bhutan, covering five bordering cities in Bhutan.

The setting of the railway tracks will give a major boost to the economies of both countries being land logged making transportation of goods easier and cheaper.

There are also proposals to explore new railway route to Bangladesh. Once the Ministry of External Affairs gives the go ahead signal, the construction of railway tracks will start.

The Indian Railways is a 154-year-old mammoth transport lifeline spread over 63,000 kilometres of tracks transporting millions of passengers daily to different destinations.

The Indian Railways have a major contribution in the country's booming economy, as the railways alone carry 40 per cent of the total freight traffic. (ANI)

Labels: Tourism

Nandigram, Nov 7 (ANI): Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee will take to the streets from today to demand central intervention and the immediate dismissal of the government of West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee following a fresh outbreak of violence in Nandigram. 

This was decided after a meeting with Krishi Jami Raksha Committee in which Congress representatives were also present.

''I can't tell you the form of agitation we will launch," said Mamta.

She added that she would take to the streets till the terror at Nandigram stops.

Mamata also said she would be writing to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, detailing the state of affairs at Nandigram.

She met Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday.

Referring to Home Secretary Prasad Ranjan Roy's statement that the firing had taken place from the CPI (M) stronghold of Khejuri, she said, "This has clearly vindicated our claim that CPI (M) has mounted an attack on the people of Nandigram.

On Tuesday, two persons were killed and 10 others injured in a fresh bout of violence in Nandigram.

The casualties were victims of a landmine explosion in the area during intermittent exchanges of fire between the members of the Bhoomi Ucched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC).

Earlier, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed concern over Nandigram violence and asked Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to look into it urgently.

Nandigram has been the scene of recurring clashes since January resulting in deaths, including 14 in police firing and violence on March 14 when villagers resisted the police from entering. (ANI)

- AY

Labels: Politics

Nandigram, Nov 7 (ANI): Tension continued prevail in Nandigram, West Bengal, today, a day after fierce fighting between the members of Bhoomi Ucched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC) and CPI (M) activists.

There were reports of fresh violence from a few pockets of Nandigram. However, IG (Law and Order) Raj Kanojia denied that any fresh incidents had taken place.

On Tuesday, two persons were killed and 10 others injured in a fresh bout of violence. The casualties were the victims of a landmine explosion in the area.

CPI (M) and the BUPC supporters exchanged several rounds of fire at Gokulnagar, Ranichak, Bhangaberia and Satengabari.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has vowed to take to the streets from today to demand central intervention and the immediate dismissal of the government of West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee following the fresh outbreak of violence in Nandigram.

This was decided after a meeting with Krishi Jami Raksha Committee in which Congress representatives were also present.

Mamata also said she would be writing to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, detailing the state of affairs at Nandigram.

She met Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday.

Referring to Home Secretary Prasad Ranjan Roy's statement that the firing had taken place from the CPI (M) stronghold of Khejuri, she said, "This has clearly vindicated our claim that CPI (M) has mounted an attack on the people of Nandigram.

Earlier, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed concern over Nandigram violence and asked Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to look into it urgently.

Nandigram has been the scene of recurring clashes since January resulting in deaths, including 14 in police firing and violence on March 14 when villagers resisted the police from entering. (ANI)

Labels: Top-Stories

Siliguri (WB)/ Patna, Nov 6 (ANI): With just couple of days left for the festival of lights-Diwali-firecracker manufactures are confident about a bumper sale in spite of the increase in the prices of raw materials needed to make crackers and an untimely rainfall which affected the drying up of made up crackers.

Jayanta Singha Roy, who supplies fire crackers to Sikkim, Bihar and some other parts of the country, said he is flooded with supply orders.

"There is huge demand of crackers at the time of Diwali. In off-season, we supply crackers at the time of government festivals. But the requirements are different on both the occasions," said Roy.

People in the country spend lakhs of rupees on crackers on Diwali. This results in heavy air and noise pollution.

However, gradually people are realizing the ill effects of crackers on environment. In Patna, school children came out on the roads and made a human chain to educate people about the ill effects of bursting firecrackers. They carried anti cracker placards and chanted slogans like 'say no to fire crackers'.

"Our motto is to spread the message of say no to crackers. We want that whole Patna celebrate Diwali with candles, lights, and joy with their friends," said Tanya, a student.

Other students echoed the same sentiments.

"When we burst crackers it causes noise pollution. It affects our city and makes it unhealthy due to which people suffer. This time we want Diwali to be celebrated with lamps which benefits us and don't cause any harm to us," said Kumar Jatin, another student. Diwali, which marks the return of God Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile, will be celebrated on Friday (Nov 9). (ANI)

Labels: Business

AY: CBI has got some new clues that could prove vital in unraveling the Rizwanur Rahman mystery — both pertaining to phone calls On September 21, a little after 12.30 pm, when Rizwanur's body had just been identified, a senior IPS officer called up Ashok Todi, who was then in Joshi Math, Uttarakhand, with daughter Priyanka. Todi's reaction was instantaneous, he left for Tirupati that very day. CBI wants to know what the officer, later accused in the case, had to tell Todi and what was the urgency that led him to call up a businessman from the police headquarters board number. The other clue is more dramatic. According to sources, CBI has learnt that Rizwanur's last call was not at 10.20 am to Madhavi Chandak, but at 10.28 am, just four minutes before he died , to lawyer Nabanil Dey, who was to help Rizwanur get back Priyanka. This call was omitted from the "factsheet" that was leaked to the media by some Kolkata Police officers a few days ago. CBI wants to know why the officers who leaked the note left out this crucial bit of information. The 10.28 call proves that Rizwanur was trying till the last moment to get back his wife. Besides, he had three important appointments that day, at Writers' Buildings with a very high-profile person, at Lalbazar police headquarters and with lawyers Nabanil and Himanshu Dey. That makes it even more unlikely that Rizwanur would commit suicide.

Labels: Top-Stories

AY: A team of executives of the Time Warner group that met West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has said that entertainment company Warner Bros is considering setting up an animation studio here. Richard Parsons, chief executive officer of the Time Warner group, spent a busy day Wednesday despite a shutdown called by the Trinamool Congress and spoke to Bhattacharya for over an hour. Time Inc editor-in-chief John Huey, Fortune Money Group president Vivek Shah, Time Warner (International) senior vice president Tom Peter Wolff, Time Inc international relations and public policy director Alvin Lee accompanied Parsons on the trip.

Labels: Business