Clash between CPM, Congress supporters

Statesman News Service

MALDA, June 16: A clash broke out between Congress and CPI-M supporters at Kasimnagar in Malda’s Kaliachak area today after a Congress leader, Mr Barkat Ali, was shot at allegedly by CPI-M-backed ruffians in broad daylight. Furious Congress supporters allegedly set six houses of CPI-M supporters on fire at Kasimgar. Mr Ali, who sustained serious injury in the attack, is being treated at Malda district hospital, police said. A police contingent led by Malda SP, Mr DK Mondal rushed to Kasimnagar when the situation turned violent. Within an hour, fire tenders reached the spot to douse the flames. But by then, the six houses had been completely gutted. A temporary police camp has been set up at Kasimnagar to defuse tension. CPI-M leaders, however, said the clash was a “family” affair. “It is wrong to call it a political clash,” a senior CPI-M leader said. Congress leaders have blamed the CPI-M for today’s clash. “They are flexing their muscles against us,” said a local Congress leader. He condemned today’s attack on Mr Ali. The area where the incident occurred is a stronghold of CPI-M leader, Mr Abdur Rouf. A few years back, some of Mr Rouf’s supporters revolted against him. Later, the breakaway CPI-M leaders captured power at local gram panchayat by ousting the CPI-M. After this, clashes between the Congress and the CPI-M activists have been commonplace in the area.