Date:31/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/08/31/stories/2008083151230100.htm

Stalemate continues in Singur

Our Bureau

Kolkata, Aug. 30 The impasse over the Tata Motors’ small car project site in Singur continued on Saturday with no construction work taking place for the second day in succession.

Saturday was the seventh day of the blockade by the Trinamool Congress, which is demanding the return of 400 acres that has been acquired for the project from “unwilling farmers”.

In a statement on Saturday, Tata Motors said: “There has been no improvement in the ground situation so far, hence the conditions are not conducive for resuming work today. We continue to assess the situation closely.”

NHAI APPEAL

Meanwhile, senior officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) appealed to the Trinamool Congress leader, Ms Mamata Banerjee, to remove the barricades that have been put up on Durgapur Expressway on National Highway No 2 and facilitate the movement of vehicles. Ms Banerjee, however, turned down the request.

On Friday, the Calcutta High Court had directed the NHAI to ensure free movement of vehicles on the expressway, if necessary with the help of the State police. The West Bengal Home Secretary, Mr A.M. Chakrabarti, said the State administration would provide assistance to the NHAI in this regard if asked for.

On Saturday, several past Presidents of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers issued an appeal to resolve the deadlock and let the Tata project move forward. They included Mr R. Seshasayee (Ashok Leyland), Mr Jagdish Khattar, (former MD of Maruti Udyog Ltd), Mr Brijmohan Lall (Hero Honda Motors Ltd), Mr Abhay Firodia (Force Motors), and Mr C.V. Kartik Narayan (Ucal Products).