Congress warns CPM of ‘red’ reply in Mangalkot

Fifteen Congress MLAs,four MPs and state leaders participated in Sunday’s rally. “The government should immediately provide relief to the victims and Rs 10 lakh compensation to each family,” added Mukherjee. The party also announced that they will gherao the Writers’ Buildings on August 26.

“We do not believe in the politics of violence. But I challenge the CPM now to attack us like they did in July. We will give a befitting reply,” said Behrampur MP Adhir Chowdhury. On July 15,when a team of 8 party MLAs led by CLP leader Manas Bhuniya tried to visit villages in Mangalkot,they were attacked by alleged CPM supporters.

Narrating the July 15 incident,Bhuniya said:” The police superintendent and other senior officers,who remained passive during the attack on our members,should be immediately removed and punished. The police stood mute spectators as we were beaten up.”

“After the alliance (with Trinamool),many of our workers thought that the Congress flag is down. But after today’s gathering,I think Congress is rejuvenating in Bengal,” said Deepa Dasmunsi,MP from Raigunge. The 15-member MLA team after getting permission from the district administration visited Dhanyarukhi and Shyambazar villages in Mangalkot and met victims of political violence.

“They were allowed to go to the villages peacefully. We will,however,not allow any rally or procession to enter those areas,where Section 144 is imposed. This may disturb peace,causing a possible flare up,” said Police Superintendent R Rajshekharan.

Many people were injured yesterday when Trinamool supporters had clashed with police after being denied entry to the violence-hit villages.