Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee visits Nandigram

West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb BhattacharjeeNandigram, Dec 26: West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, visited Nandigram, which has been the scene of violence between Communist Party of India cadres and local people since March this year.

This was his first visit to Nandigram after violence broke out between CPM cadres and locals, which erupted into a major political controversy.

Buddhadeb assured people that their land would not be taken away forcibly. He also announced compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the violence.

He told them: ”I have suffered because you have suffered,” he said.

The visit of Buddhdeb Bhattacharjee was boycotted by Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee, who are opposed to the land acquisition programme. They have been facing opposition from the State government and CPM cadres.

The Chief Minister, in his inter-action with the people and CPM cadres, requested them not to provoke the people of the area.

The Chief Minister will also address a rally at Tamluk, the headquarters of East Midnapur district.

He had also claimed that the violence in Nandigram that began with people's protests against the land acquisition for setting up a Special Economic Zone would not impede the process of industrialisation in the State, and it would not affect the confidence of investors.

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. (ANI)

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