The Hindu : National : Naxalites' rally in Kolkata today

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 15, 2004

National

National

Naxalites' rally in Kolkata today

By Our Special Correspondent

KOLKATA, DEC. 14. Naxalites from across the country, including the Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) and the Peoples War, are expected to assemble in Kolkata tomorrow for a rally.

Key functionaries such as Varavara Rao and Gaddar are expected to take part in it along with naxalites of various hues from Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Jharkhandand, of course, West Bengal.

"Every citizen has a democratic right to take part in rallies," said Anil Biswas, CPI (M) Polit Bureau member. "The naxalites are free to assemble. We don't have any problem."

Police are taking precautions to avoid troubleand are keeping a close watch.

The vigil has been strengthened in the last two days as the naxalites have threatened to blow up three police stations — Jaipur, Bandwan and Jhalda, in district Purulia. Senior Government officials and police chiefs have held meetings to ensure stringent security.

The CPI (M) leadership is wary of the developments as the naxalites, especially the MCC and the PW, are slowly trying to spread their bases across the State. Recently, police detected their presence in Malda and Hooghly districts and posters have also appeared on the walls of the Presidency College in central Kolkata.

"The question of initiating negotiations with the PW does not arise till its supporters surrender arms," Mr. Biswas said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National

News Update

Stories in this Section