May 14, 2018: Socio-politico and economic situation in Tripura – especially in Tribal areas are reportedly deteriorating due to growing rift between ruling alliance partners – BJP and IPFT. Conflicts between the two parties have created an environment of confusion and panic. Many of the BJP leaders are trying to underplay recent clashes between BJP-IPFT and alleged, these are handiwork of CPIM and new entrants to BJP-IPFT. “No matter who are involved, it is obvious that rural tribal people are panicked and clueless”, said one Namra Jamatia of Killa where IPFT has called for indefinite strike.
Demanding resignation of incumbent chairman of Block Advisory Committee (BAC) and selecting IPFT leader as BAC Chairman, IPFT called an indefinite strike in Killa Block area from today. Sources said, despite tight security arrangements, offices have remained shut and life has been completely paralyzed. Meanwhile, agitation on similar demand is fast spreading and IPFT activists are desperately trying to establish its complete dominance in tribal areas.
“The indefinite strike will affect tribal people. Already amid escalating conflicts between BJP and IPFT, people are scared and social tension is palpable. Hostility in Mungiyakami block under Teliamura on Sunday, ongoing tensions in Gandachhera and violence at Chaumanu under Dhalai district couple of days ago will surely fuel crisis and unless Government deal with such incidences properly, it seems the prevailing situations will snowball into major crisis and pose a threat to livelihood of tribal people”, said an Agartala based political analyst.
With non-implementation of NREGA, tribal people are already facing tough situations. Their hardships have will soon increase by many folds, if tension persists. According to Political analysts, the alliance partners – BJP and IPFT – are now engaged in establishing supremacy in tribal areas. As Loksabha elections and polls for Tribal Councils are on the cards, IPFT seems to adopt a hard stand to accrue as much political mileage possible from BJP. “Surely the clashes and tensions are politically motivated but will have a prolonged socio-politico and economic affects”, said an Agartala based veteran journalist.
