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Shahi Imam faces demonstrations in Nandigram

Special Correspondent

`He was trying to impose the Government's views on people'

KOLKATA: The Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, Moulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari, faced demonstrations allegedly organised by the Trinamool Congress-backed Bhoomi Ucched Pratirdoh Committee during his visit to Nandigram on Tuesday.

The Committee is spearheading a campaign against the acquisition of farmland for industry in the area which continues despite the State Government deciding against the setting up of a chemical hub there in the face of protests by the local population.

The Imam was confronted by angry demonstrators and had to cut short his stay there without visiting some of the troubled areas in Nandigram as earlier planned, reports said. He was escorted by policemen during this visit.

The demonstrators claimed that the Imam was trying to impose the State Government's views on the people of the area.

The Imam had met Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee here on Monday when he was assured that the State was taking all steps for restoration of normality in the area. He said there was no need for further agitations in the area as the State Government had decided against acquisition of farmland for industry there.

Tension continues in Nandigram even as the local authorities are trying to expedite the return of those who had fled their homes due to violence in the past few months.

Congress leaders met Mr. Bhattacharjee here in response to a letter from him to various political parties in the State eliciting their views on an alternative site for the chemical hub. They said they were not opposed to the setting up of the project elsewhere in the State but sought clarifications regarding certain technicalities regarding the project.

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