The Shahi Imam of New Delhi's Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, on Tuesday had to leave Nandigram after protests by members of the Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee that is spearheading the movement to oppose the acquisition of land for industry.

Bukhari held a press conference after being denied permission by police to enter Nandigram but had to wind it up when BUPC supporters began their protest.

His claim at the press conference that vested interests were trying to divide Hindus and Muslims in Nandigram drew an angry response from the BUPC.

The demonstrators shouted that he was an agent of the government.

"Why have you come here nearly three months after the March 14 firing? Where were you all this time? You are an agent of the government," they shouted.

Bukhari also said that firing and bomb throwing was continuing in the area even after the state government had declared that there would be no acquisition of land in Nandigram.

"Schools, colleges and medical facilities are still closed. This is not good," he said.

Bukhari had met West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Monday and said he would carry the latter's message that peace should be restored in Nandigram.