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Advani rules out President's Rule in WB

Union Home Minister L K Advani Monday ruled out imposition of President's Rule in West Bengal but asked the state government to hold an independent inquiry into the Garbeta incident in which some political activists were allegedly burnt to death.

The Centre was closely observing the law and order situation in the state, which was ''bad'', Advani told reporters in New Delhi.

Asked what steps the Centre would take to control the situation, particularly in light of the forthcoming assembly elections in the state, Advani said the government would take ''stern measures'' if conditions deteriorated further.

However, there were no plans at present to impose President's Rule in the state, he added.

The reports given by the intelligence agencies and the media showed that some political activists were burnt to death in Garbeta village in Midnapore district of West Bengal. Even if the number of people killed was two, an inquiry was called for, Advani said.

Congress leader P R Das Munshi, who met Advani earlier in the day, alleged that some Congress activists were killed in the incident and demanded that the Centre order a CBI inquiry.

The Trinamul Congress has also alleged that 18 of its activists were burnt to death by members of the CPI-M in Garbeta on Thursday night. The state government, however, has in a report to the Centre denied this.

Asked if the home ministry would accept the Congress request, Advani said law and order was a state subject and the Centre could order a CBI probe only if the West Bengal government asked for it or if a court gave the necessary directions on a public interest petition.

Munshi also showed empty cartridge shells and pieces of burnt human skull. The empty cartridges indicated that bullets were used, though it could not be said whether these were used by the police or the CPI-M activists, the minister said.

UNI

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