With Maoists paralysing the government machinery in West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura, a minor partner of the Left Front government is planning to hold a convention on the application of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

The party concerned, the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), was vocal against the chief minister over application of the Act in West Bengal. All Front constituents and Naxal organisations, will be invited to express their opinion, said sources in the RSP.

The RSP has planned to invite Naxalite parties like CPI-ML (Liberation), Mazdoor Kranti Parishad and other Naxalite groups, including human rights organisation, Association of Peoples’ Democratic Rights (APDR). The party hopes that the Naxalite group and rights organisations, Left Front constituents like CPI, Forward Bloc, and Democratic Socialist Party will attend.

According to a party leader, the idea of holding the convention was generated following an outcry among the Left intellectuals against the implementation of the Act.

“We have repeatedly requested the chief minister to restrain from applying the Act because we apprehend misuse of the Act against innocent people in the name of Maoists,” said the leader.

Kshiti Goswami, RSP leader and state PWD minister, said his party has opposed application of the Act throughout the country. In case of West Bengal, their stand cannot be different.

“Who will ensure the proper application of the Act?” asked Goswami.

“We have invited the CPM to explain its stand, but we are sure they will not send any representative to the convention,” said a leader.

... contd.