More bloodshed in Kansat

Ten people had been killed in Kansat in police firing in Jan 2006 while demanding electricity they had already paid for. Now four more people have been killed. It was a trigger-happy action that led to the earlier deaths. This time the trouble originated reportedly in the BNP cadre's attempt to forestall a programme of the locals of the area under the power-starved Kansat villagers' banner Palli Biddyut Unnayan Sangram Parishad (PBUSP), to ventilate their grievances at the failure of the REB in providing them with adequate and uninterrupted electricity.

There are several points that need to be made in this regard. Reportedly, the deaths were due to the clashes that occurred when the PBUSP procession came under attack of the BNP cadres. We ask, why adequate measures were not put in place by the local administration to ensure that no untoward incident took place, particularly since the programmes of the two groups were well publicised.

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Secondly, why it took so long for the law enforcing agencies to intervene? Thirdly, why has the government not addressed the demand of the locals as yet? We feel that there is merit in the longstanding demand of the people and must be addressed immediately.

If there is any immediate problem in mitigating the sufferings due to inadequate supply of electricity then that must be made clear to the people of Kansat through discussions. What is unacceptable is explaining the matter away by responsible ruling party members as another conspiracy against the government.

Another matter that we must also impress upon is that while it is the right of individuals to protest and ventilate their grievances, nothing that would project an aggressive attitude on their part must be resorted to. The PBUSP procession, armed with sticks, does point to the aggressive nature of their protest.

We would urge upon the government to resolve the issue without delay while calling upon all to refrain from violence and making political hay from what is a genuine grievance of the locals.