At Ground Zero, some rejoice other rue

Following the announcement of Tata Motors’ small car plant pulling out from the state, public opinion seemed to be divided in Singur.

While those associated with the Save Farmland Committee rejoiced, many who had given up land and were expecting an economic revival in the area, rued the decision.

“This is a victory for our struggle,” said Becharam Manna, convener of the Save Farmland Committee. Residents celebrated in Beraberi, Khaserbheri and Gopalnagar villages as the news of the Tata’s pulling out reached around 7.30 pm.

Since morning, discussions in these villages centered round the meeting between Tata Motors’ Chairman Ratan Tata and Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. Incidentally, the number of unwilling farmers was the highest in these villages. “We plan to take out a victory rally,” added Manna.

On the other hand, villagers who had given up their land and were in the hope of getting a job expressed shock at the decision. “People here are very angry. There is dissatisfaction among those who had given up land. Others, too, were hoping for an economic revival in the area. We want the Tatas to stay,” said Jiyarul Sheikh, a resident of Joymollah village. He added that some villagers plan to set up a dharna manch at the gates of the Tata Motor’s factory to persuade the company not to leave Singur.

Dibakar Das, a local CPM leader, said: “We will go now to the people to make them understand what a huge loss this has been for Singur.”

... contd.