Red writ rules in Nandigram, CRPF powerless

Nandigram/Kolkata: In Nandigram, Central forces of the CRPF are facing tough resistance in their efforts to contain the violence and recover arms from local militia.

Officials say the resistance is coming officials from the state police themselves.

CNN-IBN accompanied CRPF soldiers on an area domination patrol in Satengabadi, one of the worst affected areas in Nandigram.

The armed militia of the CPI-M went on a rampage in this area between November 6 and November 9, burning houses of the supporters of the anti-land acquisition movement and killing unarmed villagers.

CRPF DIG Alok Raj makes the objective such area domination patrols clear. “Bring back peace and normalcy in the area,” he says.

But the state government can't seem to make up its mind about the CRPF. After asking the force to move from their positions on Sunday, it reversed the order on Monday.

This takes away from the forces operational readiness combined with the fact that it is actually stationed well away from the troubled areas.

“Our priority is to ensure that we arrest those involved in violence, rioting, arson. This would give a good message and it would also mean that the rule of law has been established in the area,” says Raj.

CRPF officers openly admit – though off camera – that West Bengal police are not sharing any intelligence with the Central forces.

Such is the state of affairs that the CRPF opened an office for public to provide information that they can act on.

The intention of the West Bengal government is clear - to severely dent the operational capability of the Central forces.

CRPF chief in Nandigram says that the efficiency of the Central forces will be tested when anti-land acquisition refugees move out of this camp to their homes.

While the CRPF is keen to provide them security, the state police do not want CRPF camps in villages which supported the anti land acquisition movement backed by the Trinamool Congress

“The real test would be when those in the shelter camp go back to their respective village. At that time we will have to provide security. The government and us will to ensure that they go back home and peace follows in the area,” says Raj.

The CRPF wants the West Bengal government to enable it to fulfill its mandate of quickly restoring peace. But the state government is keen on deploying the Central forces in areas where their presence is not required.

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