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‘Provocative remarks by CPI (M) leaders instigating violence'

West Bengal Congress chief Manas Bhunia

Kolkata: The West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee leadership on Monday alleged that “provocative and unconstitutional statements” made by several State Ministers and Communist Party of India (Marxist) leaders are rapidly pushing the State to the brink of a “civil war-like situation”.

It also blamed the State Government for “fast deterioration of law and order situation” in the three south-western districts affected by Left-wing extremist activities.

“Provocative remarks by some Ministers and CPI (M) leaders are instigating violence and bloodbath across the State where people's security is at stake and democracy is jeopardised,” said WBPCC president Manas Bhunia at a press conference.

Referring to the “peace procession” in strife-torn Lalgarh on November 10, Dr. Bhunia said it would be “an attempt to establish peace and democracy in a region that is witnessing regular killings, irrespective of political affiliation, due to competitive violence”.

“I will request the Chief Minister to restrain the high-handed behaviour of the administration in the Jangal Mahal region as well as ask the CPI (M) cadres to lay down arms because unless they do so, it will provoke also others to choose the path of violence,” he asserted.

Asked if the State Congress would demand withdrawal of Central forces from the region, Dr. Bhunia said it was the responsibility of the Centre and the State Government to decide on the issue. He, however, added that the Congress would demand “proper utilisation” of the Central forces since it has been reported several times that the forces are “misused” by the State Government allegedly for its own benefits.

Critical of the State Government's “inaction” to locate a State Intelligence Branch officer and an NGO worker who are missing from Purulia district since October 22, Dr. Bhunia said the government has also “failed” to utilise Central funds for development of the Jangal Mahal region.

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