CPI(M) alleges attempt on life of senior leader in HP

CPI(M) today claimed that an attempt was made to run over its senior leader Rakesh Singha in Himachal Pradesh and demanded strong action against those responsible.
The party alleged that the attempt was made when Singha, a member of its Central Committee, was headed to a rally in Kinnaur in the state. It said that the act was aimed at suppressing the workers' struggle.
Singha escaped with minor injuries in the alleged attack, CPI(M) said in a statement here.
The vehicle used in the attack, along with the persons in it, were later apprehended by local people, it said.
"CPI(M) strongly condemns the attempt on the life of Rakesh Singha, Central Committee member of the party in Himachal Pradesh.

"The Politburo of the party demands firm action on the FIR lodged regarding this attack. All those responsible must be apprehended and proceeded against," it said.

The party said Singha is leading a struggle of the workers who are on strike at a hydroelectric project built by a private company.
"This heinous attack was obviously planned in order to suppress the workers' struggle," the party said.
According to reports, the workers of the project have been agitating against the company, which they allege has been flouting labour laws.
Singha, who was supporting the agitation, had recently said that the conflict was the outcome of sheer "injustice" meted out to the natives who had not received the compensation due to them from the company.

He had said the conflict had also arisen due to violations during construction of the two hydropower projects in the district and non-implementation of the statutory requirements as provided under labour laws, reports said.