The army conducted a flag march on the streets of Kolkata on Wedensday (Nov 21) after the West Bengal government called it in to control the violence that has been raging in the city since the morning. The violence broke out as the activists of the All India Minority Forum (AIMF) held a protest march against several issues including a demand to cancel author — Taslima Nasreen’s — visa to India. They were also protesting against the government’s handling of the Nandigram issue.
Activists of the All India Minority Forum, duiring the protest march, indulged in brickbatting, blocked roads and clashed with police. The CPM party offiice was also set on fire in Beniapukur.
Police had to fire tear gas and lathi charge to control the spiralling violence as protestors lobbed stones and set cars on fire.
The Rapid Action Force (RAF) swung into action after the police failed to control the mob, hundreds of whom pelted stones and empty glass bottles from lanes and bylanes.
Several police personnel and protestors including Trinamool Congress MLA — Javed Khan — were reportedly injured in the clashes. The TIMES NOW crew was also attacked by the mob. The Minorities Forum President — Idris Ali — however, claimed that outsiders had infiltrated the ranks of his activists and unleashed the violence.
Ali said the three hour blockade had initially been called to demand the resignation of Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and cancellation of the visa of Bangladeshi writer — Taslima Nasreen.
The minority forum further claimed that Nasreen had made comments about Islam which were blasphemous and sought immediate deportation of the writer.
Meanwhile, sources in the army headquarters have claimed that two columns have already left to stage flag marches in areas that witnessed violence in the city of Kolkata.
According to West Bengal Home secretary — P R Roy — the government has sought six columns of army, including four columns which would be on the standby.
He said that the army would work in tandem with the state police and stage flag marches in areas in Central Kolkata.
The Home secretary further said that the government was contemplating imposing curfew in the violence-hit areas at night.
Clarifying the protests Sougata Roy, Trinamool leader, said, "The three issues being protested were the Nandigram carnage, the Rizwanur murder case and Taslima Nasreen’s presence. The CPM’s style of ruling by cadres rather than the administration iscausing every small protest to go out of control."
Curfew Imposed
According to the reports coming in, curfew has been imposed in violent torn areas of Kolkata from 10 PM to 6 AM. Curfew has been imposed in Moulali, Mullick Bazaar, New Park Street and Park Circus.