Social activist Medha Patkar today slammed the West Bengal Government for its apathy over the prevailing situation in Nandigram.
New Delhi, Nov 20 : Social activist Medha Patkar today slammed the West Bengal Government for its apathy over the prevailing situation in Nandigram.
Addressing a press conference here, Patkar, who is supporting the cause of farmers, called the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) policy as unconstitutional.
Terming the prevailing situation in Nandigram as a war by the state against its own people, she said, "(Forcible occupation of territory) is war, what else? And that is what is being tried out in Nandigram. And, till date, there is no peace. It may be 'Shamshan' (graveyard) like) peace, not the real 'shanti' (peace)."
The Communist government in West Bengal had planned to set up a SEZ for chemical industries in Nandigram, 150 km southwest of Kolkata, but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give up their farmlands.
The row saw violent clashes between communist supporters, police and locals opposed to the project since January.
At least six villagers were killed and dozens injured in Nandigram last week in clashes between rival groups led by Communists and a frontal organisation backed by Trinamool Congress party.
The issue also rocked Parliament on Monday, and was adjourned as many opposition leaders held the government responsible for the row.
ANI