Outgoing West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi on Sunday called upon all political parties to stop violence as the state would suffer "irretrievable damage" if it was not brought to an end.
"Unless all inter-party, inter-cadre or inter-supporter violence is halted, West Bengal will suffer irretrievable damage. All political organisations must together bring West Bengal out of the debris of 'bhangchur' (damaging of property), bandhs and 'bomabaji' (bombings)," Gandhi said in his farewell message on his last day in office.
Gandhi was known for his public comments on the state's law and order situation.
No party should countenance the use of unauthorised arms and all provocations, in word and deed, across the political spectrum, must cease, he said.
Stating that Maoist violence was not only incompatible with, but was repugnant to political democracy, Gandhi cited the example of the African National Congress' armed wing, also known as 'MK', which was disbanded after armed action turned counter-productive and futile.
"The ANC disbanded the MK and returned to the political path, which, as we all know, resulted in the ending of apartheid, the ascent of the ANC to popular office and the miracle of reconciliation. Without a democratic mass movement, such violence can only hurt innocents and itself."
{{/usCountry}}"The ANC disbanded the MK and returned to the political path, which, as we all know, resulted in the ending of apartheid, the ascent of the ANC to popular office and the miracle of reconciliation. Without a democratic mass movement, such violence can only hurt innocents and itself."
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