Nandigram, ''recaptured'' by the CPI(M), remained incident free for the third day on Saturday, even as fear still stalked the area despite patrols by CRPF personnel.CPI(M)'s flags were seen everywhere, whether on houses, trees or planted in paddy fields ready for harvest.
Many Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee supporters, some of whom had belonged to the marxist party before January's outbreak of violence and were driven out, making them seek shelter in relief camps, were ''afraid'' of returning home because of fear of ''retaliation'' by the CPI(M).
''It is sad that the CPI(M) has to dominate with brute force the same people who used to swear allegiance to the party for years,'' said a BUPC supporter who refused to be identified at a relief camp in Nandigram.
The CRPF, patrolling interior areas, had warned the CPI(M)'s bike brigade, and arrested one of them for going around on a motorcycle, allegedly without registration plates.
The man, identified as Bacchu Karan, was handed over to the police by the CRPF, Circle Inspector of Mahishadal Swapan Kumar Dey said.
A large convoy of the West Bengal police led by senior officers also entered Nandigram during the day.