Committee members trying to instigate locals to 'make situation worse'

Sources said a closed door meeting held in Bhangar on Saturday in which a section of people were "made to understand" the reasons behind carrying out the agitation.

It may be mentioned that the 'Jomi, Jibika, Bastutantra O Paribesh Raksha Committee' had initiated the agitation protesting against setting up of a power grid sub-station. Now, members of the committee, backed by the Maoists, held rallies in Bhangar protesting against the arrest of Alik. There was trouble with road blocks on Haroa Road a day after he was arrested.

Mirza Hassan had been heading the agitation from the front with Alik's support and now, after the latter's arrest, the plan is to involve more people by any means so that they can be put forward in case there is an attempt to arrest those working hand-in-glove with the Maoists.

Sources said the committee members are now trying to instigate locals from Machibhanga, Khamarait, Bokdoba and Middapara villages to get involved into activities as directed by them. They had a programme called "lathi kata obhijan" in which they would prepare wooden logs that could be used for retaliation.

"The attempts of involving people into such activities that may lead to tension in the area comes when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is

putting all her efforts to ensure overall development of the state," said a senior police officer adding that they are also urging people to put off all lights for around half an hour as a mark of protest.

Interestingly, a trouble began among crucial members of the committee as they are now trying to find the person who had leaked the information about Alik and helped the police to arrest him.

The cops are, however, keeping a watch on the situation and would take necessary action as and when required.