As part of the nationwide Jail Bharo Andolan (movement), four Left-backed mass organisations led the protests in Agartala, Dharmanagar, Sonamura and parts across Tripura on August 10 over an 11-point charter of demands. Protesters demanded labour reforms, better farm prices, 200 days of work and measures to control rising prices.
Key Takeaways:
- CITU, AIKS, GMP and TKMU jointly organised the protests.
- Protesters raised an 11-point charter of demands.
- They demanded repeal of the labour codes they called anti-worker.
- They sought remunerative prices for farm produce.
Agartala/Dharmanagar/Sonamura, August 10: Left-backed mass organizations led Jail Bharo movement across Tripura on August 10. The protest formed part of a nationwide campaign over an 11-point charter of demands.
Four Left-backed mass organisations jointly organised the programme. They were CITU, All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), Ganamukti Parishad (GMP) and Tripura Khet Majdoor Union (TKMU).
The protesters raised issues linked to workers, farmers, agricultural labourers and ordinary people. They also opposed what they called the government’s anti-people policies.
Protesters Raise 11-Point Demands
The organisations demanded the repeal of labour codes that they described as anti-worker.
They also demanded remunerative prices for farmers’ produce. Another key demand was 200 days of work under the rural employment guarantee scheme.
The protesters sought a daily wage of Rs 700 under the scheme.
They also demanded steps to control the prices of electricity, petroleum products and essential commodities.
The organisations said the demands focus on employment, workers’ rights, farmers’ interests, rising prices and livelihood security.
Rally and Protest in Agartala
In Agartala, protesters began a rally from the Orient Chowmuhani area.
The procession moved towards Post Office Chowmuhani. Protesters broke through police barricades and staged a civil disobedience programme.
Former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar attended the protest. Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury also joined the programme.
Former minister Manik Dey, Pabitra Kar and other leaders were present.
The protesters raised slogans in support of their demands. They also criticised government policies that they said affected workers, farmers and ordinary people.
Jail Bharo Movement in Dharmanagar
A major protest took place in Dharmanagar in North Tripura.
The programme began at around noon from the CPIM subdivision office. Workers and supporters joined the rally from different areas.
The procession moved through the town. Protesters raised slogans over employment, livelihood and price rise.
Police and paramilitary personnel remained deployed at key locations. The administration also placed barricades at several points.
Police later detained several protesters.
The police took them to the Vivekananda Sardha Shatabarshiki Bhavan. The building served as a temporary detention centre.
Protesters said the cost of living has increased steadily. They demanded stronger measures to protect jobs and livelihoods.
2,056 Protesters Detained in Sonamura
Sonamura also witnessed a major Jail Bharo programme.
The rally started outside the CPIM Sonamura subdivision office. Protesters then marched through the main market area.
The procession moved towards the Sonamura Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office.
Police stopped the march before it reached the office. Protesters then broke through the police barricade and tried to move forward.
A brief scuffle followed between protesters and police.
Police later detained 2,056 protesters, according to the account provided by the organisers. They took the detainees to Sonamura Town Hall, which served as a temporary jail.
Left Leaders Join Sonamura Protest
CPIM Sonamura subdivision secretary and MLA Shyamal Chakraborty joined the programme.
District secretary Ratan Saha and state committee member Suresh Das also attended.
CITU subdivision secretary Ahidur Rahman was among the other leaders present.
The leaders backed the 11-point charter and called for stronger action on employment, wages, farm prices and the cost of essential goods.
Tight Security Across Sonamura
Police made extensive security arrangements in Sonamura.
Sonamura Sub-Divisional Police Officer Abhijit Das said the administration took measures to prevent any untoward incident.
DCMs Purba Sinha and Abhiram Debbarma were also present.
Sonamura police station officer-in-charge Tapas Das supervised the security arrangements along with a large contingent of police and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) personnel.
Protesters Threaten Larger Agitation
The four organisations said the August 10 programme formed part of a broader nationwide movement.
They said the 11-point charter addresses the economic concerns of workers, farmers, agricultural labourers and other sections of society.
The organisations warned of larger protests in the coming days.
They said the movement would continue until the government addresses their demands and takes steps to protect employment, wages and livelihoods.
