100 Left workers, 79 cops injured in clashes during protest march in West Bengal

In West Bengal, over 100 Left activists and 79 police personnel were injured yesterday in clashes at various places in Kolkata city and neighboring Howrah during a protest march by the opposition party to the state secretariat against the Trinamool Congress government's policies.

Police said 217 people, including 11 Left front MLAs, including its legislature party leader, Mr. Sujan Chakraborty were arrested in the twin cities and at the secretariat in connection with the violence and violation of prohibitory



orders during the agitation. Police fired tear gas shells and used batons after the Left workers allegedly tried to break barricades at several places and attacked the security personnel.

CPI(M) has condemned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government for alleged assault on Left party workers by police during the march terming it as "anti-democratic" attitude. CPI-M state secretary and politburo member Surjya Kanta Mishra said a protest day will be observed today throughout the state.