APPEAL: 'War Against People'

http://www.outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20071106&fname=nandigram&sid=1 'War Against People'

Nandigram erupted again, killing two and injuring many more, but there were forebodings of a 'warlike situation unfolding due to the presence of thousands of CPM cadres surrounding Nandigram'...

Medha Patkar, Anand Mazgaonkar, National Alliance of People's Movements

Latest reports from Nandigram at this midnight hour cause the gravest concern over a warlike situation unfolding due the presence of thousands of CPM cadres surrounding Nandigram from at least three sides. They are openly announcing on mikes that they will enter and capture the area tonight (5-6th Nov. night).

The presence and support to this attack by senior most police officers indicate political position of the West Bengal Govt., and that of the CPM, to say the least. They are armed and confident of recapturing the area. The situation threatens to get completely out of hand. Many lives have already been lost, and more blood threatens to flow amidst this newly unfolding situation. The people of Nandigram claim their rights to self defense and survival. They also seem to be prepared for resistance with whatever means available. We fear that this may lead to serious and unprecedented bloodshed. It is doubtful if the Govt. of West Bengal will be willing to stop this violence.

We therefore urge the Centre to intervene immediately and put a full stop to this war against people and violence on either side.

We also demand every political move to compel the Govt. of West Bengal and the ruling party to withdraw the gherao around Nandigram, and desist from strangulating the people, women, children who are desperately resisting any territorial onslaught and are asserting their right to land and livelihood.

We appeal to all our supporters and the civil society at large to take appropriate action here and now, and at least the following:

i) Write to the President, the Prime Minister, Home Minister demanding immediate intervention

ii) Write to the Chief Minister of West Bengal to lift the siege of from Nandigram and immediately ask the party cadres to behave well

iii) Send teams to the area for raising the voice of peace and support people in this critical situation

iv) Issue statements to bring pressure on the concerned Govt. to act immediately.

v) Please Phone and Fax NHRC regarding the gravity of the situation

vi) Organise protests wherever possible

vii) Any other action you may deem fit. Your urgent action is solicited in this hour of trauma.