September 10, 2018: Nation wide Bharat Bandh passed off peacefully in BJP-ruled Tripura. The Bandh evoked partial responses as private establishments and road transport services were affected. Banks, and Government institutions were open while plane and train services operated as usual. Activities in Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Agartala were also normal. The Bandh was called by Congress, Left and other parties against rising fuel prices.
In Agartala, while most of the business establishments, big markets and shops remained closed, Government offices, Banks and Government run schools remained open although normal activities were affected.
However, flights operated to-and-from Agartala as ususal and train services were also not affected.
Police sources said, there is no reports of any untoward incidence and the Bandh was peaceful.
Both the Congress and CPIM claimed that the Bandh was total in Tripura and thanked people for their support braving ‘threat’ of ruling BJP. However, ruling BJP maintained that the Bandh failed to garner public support and people rejected the Bandh.
Congress State Chief Birajit Sinha said, people sponteneously supported and participated the bandh across the State. He alleged, BJP activists are intimidating Congress activists.
CPIM MP Shankar Prashad Datta claimed, people of Tripura strongly protested against spiral rise in fuel prices and supported the Bandh defying ruling BJP’s dictates.
BJP State general secretary Pratima Bhowmik however said, normal activities were done in government offices and ongoing process Panchayat by-polls were also carried out in the State.
Meanwhile, while picketing near State Civil Secretariat today morning, Police arrested several Congress activists inlcuding Tripura Pradesh Chief Birajit Sinha, Manipur MP Thokchom Meinya, two Congress leaders from Assam – Wajed Ali Choudhury and Abdur Rauf.
