Peace reigns in Kolkata as army patrolling continues

Kolkata remained peaceful today as the army and the police jointly patrolled localities that were hit by violence on Wednesday.

Kolkata, Nov 23 : Kolkata remained peaceful today as the army and the police jointly patrolled localities that were hit by violence on Wednesday.

The army, which was deployed on Wednesday following violent clashes has been kept on stand by.

According to official sources, the State Government will take a final decision on how long the army will be deployed and whether it is to be withdrawn in phases.

According to sources, four columns of the army, comprising 360 personnel, conducted a flag march in Moulali, Mullickbazar, Ripon Street, Park Circus, Topsia, Beniapukur and adjacent areas throughout Thursday night.

Some schools, closed on Thursday in the affected areas, were slated to reopen and small shops, located in the interior of the violence-hit areas, also began normal business this morning.

Curfew was relaxed on Thursday which was imposed following violent protests by the All India Minority Forum (AIMF) over the violence in Nandigram and a demand for the cancellation of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen's visa.

It was for the first time since the 1992 riots that the Army was called in to restore order in the city.

Violent clashes between Communist supporters, police and locals opposed to the project have been taking place 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.

ANI