The Hindu News Update Service

Kolkata (PTI): The CPI(M) on wednesday continued its tirade against the CRPF, accusing the paramilitary force of committing "excesses" in Nadigram but refrained from demanding its withdrawal.

"We visited Nandigram yesterday and apprised the chief minister of what the local people told us about CRPF excesses," CPI(M) Central Committee member Shyamal Chakraborty told reporters at the state secretariat.

He alleged that in places like Satengabari, Mahespur and Ranichak, Trinamnool Congress workers were committing atrocities on CPI(M) supporters "assisted by the CRPF".

"The people also complained that three CRPF personnel are supporters of Trinamool Congress and helping supporters of that party in unleashing atrocities," he alleged.

He said that the East Midnapore district police

authorities had alleged that the CRPF had not taken permission before launching operations in villages like Satengabari, Mahespur and Ranichak.

Asked whether the CPI(M) demanded withdrawal of the CRPF from Nandigram, he said "You would have known, had we made such a demand."

He was accompanied by another party central committee member Shyamli Gupta.

Chakraborty said that they sought chief minister's intervention to ensure that the peace process was not affected.

Chakraborty said that it was the state government which had decided to deploy central forces in Nandigram. "We are not saying anything," he said.

Asked whether peace would prevail if the central forces were withdrawn, Chakraborty said that it was "a long process.... Both (CPI-M and the Opposition) sides have to demonstrate goodwill to restore peace and the involvement of administration is also necessary."

He also claimed that compensation money was being looted from victims and the people who returned to their villages did not have a place to stay as their houses were either destroyed or badly damaged.