Kolkata, Aug 22 : Chairman of the TATA group Ratan Tata today said that the group could exit the Nano project from Singur in the interest of the safety of its employees, if violence continues there.

Ratan Tata said that even though it would cost a great deal to move but there was a concern about the safety of employees.

"We will move from Singur whatever the cost to protect our people," he added.

On Thursday, Commerce and Industries Minister of West Bengal Nirupam Sen and Ratan Tata held talks over TATA Motor's small car plant at Singur.

Sen apprised Tata on the recent talks between the State Government and the Opposition Trinamool Congress party to resolve the Singur land impasse.

"Tata expressed concern over the recent activities at Singur and the proposed indefinite agitation of the Trinamool Congress demanding immediate return of 400 acres of land to farmers acquired for ancilliary industries of the TATA group," Sen told reporters after the meeting.

Tata Motors started to build its factory in Singur in January 2007 to make the world''s cheapest car.

The much awaited one-lakh rupee car, Nano, was unveiled by Tata Motors chairman Ratan Tata in New Delhi in January this year, and it is likely to hit roads by October. But the project, which has become a test case for the ruling Communist party in the State, has been opposed by some farmers who claim that the Government took their land against their will.

There have been regular protests in West Bengal this year over the acquisition of agriculture land for setting up industries.

ANI