August 09, 2017: Attacks on CPIM supporters are increasing alarmingly in Tripura prior to State Assembly Polls. Today, a group of IPFT supporters attacked CPIM Party Office at Khumlung, HQ of Tripura Tribal Area Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and set the party office ablaze. IPFT people also set around 25 motor bikes on fire.
Trouble started from today morning when IPFT flags were found damaged at Khumlung market area in outskirt of Agartala. Even though nobody who damaged the flags, IPFT started blaming CPIM. On the issue of damaged flags, IPFT delegates submitted a deputation at Radhanagar PS and demanded immediate arrests of the miscreants. However, delegates never named any person(s) while filing complaint. Later, IFPT delegates along with supporters reached CPIM Party office and heated words were exchanged between CPIM and IPFT people.
Instead of waiting Police to act, IPFT leaders brought supporters from nearby areas and soon a large number IFPT people started arson and vandalism creating panic among the local tribal people. IPFT supporters, infamous for unruly behaviour, set CPIM party office and motor bikes on fire. CPIM supporters tried resisting the IFPT people in vain and around 10 people were injured.
Large contingent of security forces arrived at the spot and resorted to mild lathi charge to disperse the IPFT people. Even though situation is stated to be under control, tension gripped the whole area.
Such attacks on CPIM are becoming regular phenomenon. However, CPIM supporters are showing great degree of tolerance in the wake of attacks and assaults. Police forces too are showing restraint and maturity in bringing the situation under control. “What IPFT leaders want is nothing but dead body and unfortunately a section of literate tribal people, instead of protesting violent and unruly attitude of IPFT youths, are encouraging”, alleged one tribal resident of Khumlung who refused to be named.
