Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Nandigram violence

The responsibility for the death of 14 persons in police firing in Nandigram rests with both the Trinamool Congress and the ruling CPI(M). But when the West Bengal Government categorically said no land in Nandigram was being forcibly acquired, the Trinamool Congress-led Bhoomi Ucched Pratirodh Committee should have lifted the siege of the five village panchayats. Not only did the agitators ignore the Government's assurance but also refused to attend the all-party meeting to sort out the differences. A war-like situation was created to which no elected government can remain indifferent. It is therefore the agitators and their sponsors who are to blame more for the bloodshed. It must also be said that the force used by the Government was excessive. It is inconceivable that a party that had a taste of police brutality during its formation days could send such a strong police force to restore normality.

Capt. T. Raju,
Secunderabad

Industrialisation versus livelihood is a subject of intense debate. In a democracy, such debates should be sorted out by persuasion. If the Government thinks an SEZ in Nandigram is in the larger interest of the State, it should convince the protesters to see reason. The use of force will send the wrong message.

Mamata Banerjee is stretching the issue too far for political reasons. Provoking people to stage violent protests may help in the short run but it will result in the loss of innocent lives as it did on Wednesday. Industrialisation or the lack of it should be treated as neither an ego problem nor a political opportunity.

Biranchi Narayan Acharya,
Cuttack

The police over-reacted by opening fire and killing persons who were no doubt indulging in stone throwing and other violent activities. Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee should defuse the explosive situation that is showing signs of going out of control.

D.B.N. Murthy,
Bangalore

It is unfortunate that several precious lives have been lost. Can contentious issues not be discussed threadbare and a resolution passed in the Legislative Assembly where the Opposition parties can also participate in the deliberations? This is a democratic way of doing things and is worth a try.

T.S. Nagarajan,
Chennai

The violence and subsequent police action in Nandigram are very unfortunate. The Chief Minister has repeatedly said his Government has no intention of forcibly acquiring land. Yet violence was unleashed and the entire area virtually brought under siege, thanks to the vested interests of some elements, ranging from the ultra left to the extreme right. But the responsibility is more on the CPI(M), which leads the Left front since it has to implement the development agenda. It should take the other Left constituents into confidence and pacify the opposition forces.

P. Venkatesh,
Salem

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