CPI(M) terrorising refugees

People threatened to leave, relief camps blockaded

KOLKATA: After seizing Nandigram with its private army and mobike gangs, the CPI(M) is now terrorising opposition supporters in relief camps and threatening to burn their homes if they do not return at once.

The CPI(M) local leadership fear the relief camps could become focal points for opposition supporters and their families to regroup. 

Those who have fled Nandigram and are hiding in the neighbouring town of Tamluk said that armed with guns and public address systems, CPI(M) cadres laid siege to Nandigram high school that is serving as a relief camp. They put up roadblocks on approach roads to the camp and announced over public address systems that camp residents should return to their homes or these would be burnt down.

The roadblocks prevented relief material including foodgrains and water from reaching the camp causing immense hardship for the hundreds inside. Some resident made their way back home during the day. But reports that the returning men were being beaten up prompted some to flee to new hiding places further away from Nandigram.