July 7, 2017: Businessmen are already in trouble due to Modi-led Government’s twin reform programmes – demonetization and introduction of GST. Demonetization put serious strains on transactions while GST – even though it may be proved good initiative – initially causing a lot of problems. “Under such a situation, it will be disastrous for us if blockade is staged on the national highway and railway track”, said general secretary of All Tripura Merchants’ Association (ATMA) in a press release tonight.
Four frontal organizations of CPIM- DYFI, SFI, TYF and TSU today held rally in Agartala and urged people to foil the IPFT sponsored national highway and railway blockade for indefinite period. Presence of tribal people and young people condemning IPFT’s blockade programme was ‘overwhelming’, sources said.
If IPFT(NC) goes with its plan, Tripura, already reeling severe petrol crisis, will face real hardship and both the tribal and Bengali communities will suffer. “Tribal people will be the worst sufferers and patients from hilly areas will be deprived of emergency medical help. There will be shortage of food in fair price shops, how will tribal people living in hills survive?” asked one Namita Debbarma of Ananda Nagar, Agartala.
Even though CPIM is strongly opposing IPFT’s raod and rail blockade programme, main opposition party – BJP is maintaining silence which raised many eye brows. Leftists are alleging that BJP is behind IPFT’s agitation and is involved in Manipur like situation where Naga groups staged blockade programme allegedly at behest of BJP. Even though BJP refuted the allegation, it is yet to stage any protest against IPFT’s move. “It will be prudent for BJP to lodge strong protest and create pressure on IPFT to withdraw the blockade programme to protect interests of the people of Tripura”, commented one Rikiya Debbarma.
