Thaindian News

Kolkata, May 16 (IANS) A delegation of West Bengal’s ousted Left Front headed by Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Mohammad Salim Monday met Governor M.K. Narayanan and urged him to stop post-poll violence “purposefully” carried against Left workers and supporters.

“There have been several attacks on our party workers resulting in quite a few deaths while many have been injured. All across the state our representatives — be it in the students unions, village panchayats or zilla parishads — all are being threatened at gun-point to relinquish their positions,” Salim told media persons after the meeting.

He alleged that three CPI-M workers were killed since the declaration of results.

“From North Bengal to Purulia, Midnapore and Bankura, there have been continuous incidents of attacks on people including rape, loot, arson, and house damage. There is a concerted effort on the part of goons backed by the Trinamool Congress to demoralise the Left workers and supporters,” he said.

Accusing the Maoists of being part of the conspiracy, he said: “The Maoists have also colluded with the Trinamool goons. To extend their area of operation they are attacking the Left party offices, and the workers.

“There is a particular pattern in the attacks. They are all being done in a concerted manner and following a conspiracy. There is purpose behind the attacks.”

Salim said that after they briefed the governor, Narayanan replied that he was aware of the situation. “He had apprehension of such a thing and already had a meeting with the DGP (director general of police).”

“The governor has assured us that things will change within 48 hours. He has already given suitable directions to the administration. He has asked the police to be more vigilant and ensure that such incidences do not recur. He also said that, if needed, he will take further steps,” he added.