Cadre thrust over, CRPF in

Statesman News Service
KOLKATA, Nov. 12: The CPI-M completed "recapturing" Nandigram on a day CRPF jawans finally secured entry to the trouble-torn area. Cadres took control of more villages and sealed all approaches to Nandigram today to prevent social activist Ms Medha Patkar from entering the violence-stricken villages. They also put up roadblocks at two places in Howrah to stop her from visiting Nandigram to distribute relief materials to the displaced persons.
Armed CPI-M cadres rode motorcycles through Sonachura, Garchakraberia, Nandigrambazar, Maheshpur ~ considered BUPC stronghold even last week. The "repossession" was achieved this morning by driving BUPC supporters out of their homes. Nearly 2,000 displaced BUPC supporters took shelter today at Brajamohan Tewari High School near Nandigram Bazar.
As many as 10,000 homeless BUPC supporters have taken refuge in that school. BUPC leaders alleged that more than 50 houses of their supporters had been looted and then set ablaze at Haripur and Gokulnagar today.
CPI-M men allegedly fired three bullets in the air near Nandigram police station. Armed cadres allegedly ransacked two shops owned by BUPC supporters at Nandigram bus stand and a BUPC controlled-club this afternoon. BUPC leaders alleged that armed CPI-M cadres had asked villagers to participate in a party rally in Nandigram and had threatened them with harm in case they did not.
A total of 480 CRPF jawans, led by the inspector-general, Mr Subhas Goswami, reached Nandigram around 3 p.m. today. Villagers from Haripore narrated to them the tale of “CPI-M-sponsored terror” over the past 11 months. Hundred CRPF jawans were later sent to Haschara area while the rest remained stationed at the Nandigram PS.
Ms Patkar, who left the city with her entourage for Nandigram late this afternoon, has decided to return after facing a stiff resistance from CPI-M cadres who put up a roadblock at Dhulagar in Howrah.
East Midnapore SP said an additional 500 personnel of the Central forces would soon be arriving.
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