From home-made bombs to AK-47s

KOLKATA: From muskets, pipe-guns and  homemade bombs in December 2006 to landmines, neogel, SLRs and AK47s now, the surge in Nandigram is complete. When it was a popular uprising against land acquisition in the early days, the arsenal too was of low intensity. But as Nandigram evolved over the last eight months into a political turf war between, CPI(M) on one front and Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee (BUPC) with Trinamul Congress and Maoists, the armory  of the respective warring groups too has become sophisticated.

The entry of Maoists, besides equipping Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee with the most sophisticated and deadly ammunition, has also given the initial scattered resistance a totally organized shape.

Highly placed intelligence sources told DNA that the weapons used in December last year were country-made pipe-guns, single-shooter pistols, muskets and crude bombs. “But currently, the committee is equipped with the most sophisticated weapons like AK-47, Stengun, self loading rifles (SLRs), high range mortars, landmines and most importantly detonator-connected high intensity explosive Neogel 90. All these have come with the Maoists,” a senior Intelligence Bureau  official said. After facing the initial onslaught of this sophisticated arsenal, the CPI(M) too has been able to regroup and stockpile weapons with greater killing power in the brick kilns that dot the  villages of Sherkhan chowk and Khejuri.

As per IB findings, the Maoists have shown their proficiency in making such an elaborate and organized set up starting from the very mode of bringing in arms in Nandigram.

“This process started from May 2007  by when Nandigram was fortified and put beyond the reach of the police. Several vehicles containing relief materials used to enter Nandigram every weak. At the same time, many vehicles containing the emblem of a particular religious organization entered Nandigram. We have definite information now that both these religious and relief vehicles were carriers of sophisticated arms and ammunition,” the official said.

The Maoists have destroyed bridges on roads leading to Nandigram. On parts of the roads they have dug trenches so deep that no intruders, be it the police or the press can cross.  The official said: “The trenches help the Maoists in stopping the police from entering the place. These also come in handy for them take positions while resisting security forces.”