The 24 hour IPFT-sponsored strike on a holiday and State-wide Covid restriction passed off peacefully barring few incidences. IPFT called a day-long strike in TTAADC areas on Saturday in protest against attacks on its supremo and Revenue Minister of ruling BJP-IPFT coalition allegedly by TIPRA Motha supporters couple of days ago.
However, as the strike falls on the 4th Saturday – a Government holiday in Tripura, all Government Offices remained closed as usual rendering the Strike meaningless exercise as far as Government offices were concerned.
Moreover, night curfew due to Covid pandemic is in force and all the Urban Local Body areas are also under strict restrictions. As a result, vehicular movement across the State remained affected for past few days – and the Strike, once again, had no noticeable impact on transport sector.
Only shops in ADC areas are the bone of contention in view of the Strike – and in most parts of the ADC areas, shops remained open till the afternoon as usual. Night curfew started in the State including the ADC areas started from 6pm leaving the Strike totally meaningless.
Reports from ADC areas mentioned, “After a serious ADC Poll debacle, IPFT leaders seem to be in a confusing state of mind as they have called strike on a Government holiday and at a time when the State is under stringent Covid19 restrictions. With offices closed, no vehicles on the road, and people are grappling with Covid scare – the strike can be termed as a flop and useless exercise”.
Residents of ADC areas in Santirbazar, Karbook sub-division Charilam and Kalyanpur opined that the Strike failed to drive home the purpose of the Strike. Battling with Covid and ensuring a livelihood at this difficult time are the prime concern of people. The Strike could only add to people’s woes as IPFT picketers were picketing to shut the shops.
Even as the Strike proved to be a futile exercise, situation in Ampi area under Gomati District turned volatile. As IPFT supporters gathered and asking shop owners to shut the shops, TIPRA Motha supporters begun to confront the IPFT supporters. Heated exchange of words turned the situation tensed and as the situation seemed to be spinning out of hand, Police resorted to tear gas firing to disperse the crowd. Overall, the strike passed off peacefully.
