Centre to await Bengal response

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JAN. 9. Expressing grave concern over the prevailing ``climate of terror'' in the violence-hit Garbeta town, the Union Home Minister, Mr. L. K. Advani, today said the Centre would consider ``every aspect of the situation'' before taking any decision on West Bengal.

Talking to reporters at his North Block office, Mr. Advani said the NDA team, which visited the site of violence in Midnapore district and submitted its report to him today, demanded imposition of President's rule.

``The operative part of the team's report is the demand for President's rule. It is a matter of great concern for us and the Government will have to consider every aspect before taking any decision,'' he said.

The Home Ministry would also wait for the State Government's response to the Centre's advisory sent yesterday. The advisory suggested an independent probe into the incidents of violence and alleged clashes between the CPI(M) and Trinamool workers.

Asked whether he was satisfied with the CID probe ordered by the Left Front Government, Mr. Advani said it should make ``earnest efforts'' at knowing the truth. It was not a question of the CID inquiry being ``partial or impartial'' but the fact remained that the CID was very much part of the establishment. ``It was another matter if they had ordered a judicial inquiry,'' he added.

Asked about the impression conveyed by the five-member NDA team to him, Mr. Advani said the incident at Chotoangra village was ``really bad''. Describing the picture in the violence-affected area as grim, he said: ``What is disconcerting is the climate of terror that pervades in the entire area. As a result, those who visited the site saw either a deserted village or tongue-tied inhabitants ``lest they suffer the consequences of speaking up''.

Mr. Advani said the persons who visited the site of the violence were returning with exhibits of the alleged massacre, including shells of bullets and parts of skulls. ``It also shows complete indifference on the part of the police in preserving the spot.''

BJP seeks Cong. stand

The BJP today sought to know from the Congress its assessment of the situation in West Bengal and the view of the central leadership.

Reacting to a Congress spokesman's statement that it was for the Centre to decide on the imposition of President's rule, the BJP vice-president, Mr. K. Jana Krishnamurthy, said the Congress central leadership did not even state whether it agreed or differed with the assessment of the BJP or the Trinamool Congress.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Front Page
Previous : 'India, Vietnam must strive for stable
           environment'
Next     : 48 injured in Kashmir blasts