New Delhi: The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) has expressed shock over the recent violence in Nandigram, West Bengal. In a statement issued to the media, the CHRI said: "Events in Nandigram, West Bengal, have shocked the conscience of the nation. The State Government seems to have abdicated responsibility and admits having outsourced law and order to varying party cadres and armed gangs, infiltrated by criminal and other extremist elements, from time to time."

"The objectivity and impartiality required in law and order matters is glaring in its absence. Furthermore, the primary institution to protect the basic rights of life, liberty and property- the police - has failed abysmally in its essential duty, pointing to deep-rooted malaise plaguing it,? the CHRI statement added.

"The CHRI joins with others in civil society in protesting this cycle of events and the attendant violence, rape, assault and eviction of innocent villagers from their homes. It calls upon all concerned to cooperate fully with the para military Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other law enforcement agencies in restoring peace and normalcy and rehabilitating the hapless victims without conditionalities of any kind."

"The Governor has expressed his deep concern with Nandigram being turned into a "war zone" and being "recaptured" and the High Court has ordered a full CBI inquiry within a month. CHRI endorses these statements and calls upon all concerned to cooperate fully with the inquiry and take prompt action on its findings so that all those guilty of taking the law into their own hand or dereliction of duty are held duly accountable," the CHRI concluded.