Amid reports of Communist Party of India (Marxist) cadres continuing to attack supporters of a rival Trinamool Congress-backed outfit in Nandigram and imposing fine to allow them to return to harvest crops, an unabashed local Marxist party leader on Friday said, "It is a spontaneous response."
"The CPI(M) is imposing fines of thousands of rupees depending on our land holding to allow us to return home," said Ranjit Dasadhikary (name changed), a Bhumi Ucchad Pratirodh Committee (BUPC) supporter.
"Our crops are ready to be harvested. If we don't return home, the CPI(M) will harvest our crops and also not allow us to return," Dasadhikary said.
Another BUPC activist from Garchakraberia said, "In that case they will also take over our houses. There is no question of refusal. In that case, our houses will be set on fire."
"The CPI(M) is also forcing our supporters to take part in their processions to show that all is well," he said.
TC MLA Subhendu Adhikary alleged BUPC supporters were being asked to pay thousands of rupees in fines.
"Those BUPC supporters trying to return home are being threatened and asked to pay thousands of rupees in fines. They are also being asked to join CPI(M) processions and being told to march in front to prove that they have returned to Marxist fold," he said.
