Amnesty International has expressed its concern over the mass killing in Nandigram, West Bengal, on last Wednesday by state police force that has resulted in deaths of at least 14 persons and injuries to more than 150 people.
According to the report, on March 14, as many as ten people were shot dead by the police force. More than 150 persons were injured in the shooting at the village. More than 4,000 officers of the West Bengal state police were present at the Bhangabehara and six other areas where villagers were protesting in Eastern Midnapore district.
Later, the demonstrators, who were armed with sticks, started pelting stones to police force. In reaction, the police force fired rubber bullets and teargas canisters to clear the protesting villagers. It was being reported that later police opened fire to the protestors and the police opened fire on them even as they were escaping from the site.
Some of the Human rights activists have reported that 23 persons were found dead and brought to various hospitals. 47 persons with bullet injuries came to hospitals in Nandigram, Tamluk and Kolkata for treatment. Further, the police officials said that 42 policemen were also injured in the clash.
Human rights activists have also reported that the CPI (M) supporters have restricted some media persons and opposition leaders from entering the area that day. According to another report, some CPI(M) workers had illegally captured two journalists who were covering the violence on March 14.
Now, the Amnesty International has urged the government of West Bengal to set up an independent inquiry commission into the matter and make the findings public. It has also asked to prosecute the state officials, police personnel involved in the violence if found guilty. The Human rights organization has also asked to release persons detained after the violence at Nandigram.
