Intellectuals join BUPC Martyrs’ Day rally in Nandigram

Kolkata, January 7 Both the CPM and Trinamool observed Monday as Martyrs’ Day in Nandigram, in memory of their supporters who were killed a year ago in the violence that has characterised the struggle to acquire farmland for industry.

The opposition packed in a good show with nearly 150 intellectuals reaching Nandigram to participate in a rally at Bhangabeda and Sonachura. Nearly 5,000 villagers marched in the rally, the frontline of which had filmmaker Aparna Sen, author Mahasweta Devi, drama personae Shaonli Mitra and actor Kaushik Sen.

Sen addressed the rally at Sonachura bazar and said the people of Nandigram have created an example by organising a year-long movement against a state government. She would always stand by the people on their struggle, Sen said.

Author Mahasweta Devi said the movement has been sustained for so long because it drew from the determination of thousands of villagers. She said their struggle should inspire others in the country to resist the taking away of farmland for industry.