According to the government, Nandigram is still not free from the influence of extremist groups, which played a role in the recent spurt of violence there that left many people injured. And it was because of the presence of such groups that the government made elaborate security arrangements in Nandigram for the chief minister’s visit, said officials of the state Home department.

“We cannot say that the influence of Maoists or Left extremist groups has ended in Nandigram. In the last one year, when there was no proper administration in the area, they operated openly with the help of Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee. Their frontal organisations are still operating in Nandigram,” said Raj Kanojia, IG (Law and Order), at the Writers’ Buildings on Tuesday.

“Nandigram College was chosen as the venue for the chief minister’s visit because it is the most secured public place in Nandigram, unlike the open and violence-prone areas of Sonachura or Garchakraberia. Heavy deployment of police was made for the chief minister’s security,” said a Home