July 9, 2017: Unruly character of IPFT supporters exposed today once again when hundreds of IPFT supporters reportedly pelted stones at an Agartala bound train near Jirania under West Tripura. Stone pelting took place even before IPFT sponsored rail and road blockade started. One Santosh Debbarma alleged, IPFT people started throwing stones targeting the train from both sides. Showing his wounds, Santosh alleged, many of the passengers were injured. However, Police sources denied stone pelting incidence.
The State administration is gearing up to face IFPT’s indefinite road and rail blockade programme and thrown a massive security net. Paramilitary forces – BSF and CRPF along with TSR and Tripura Police have been deployed along the highways and keeping vigil all around. Despite all the security arrangements, tension is running high and common people – both tribal and non-tribal people are going to face tough time due to rail and road blockade.
After a vertical split, NC faction of IPFT, desperate to prove its influence amongst tribal communities called a rail and national highway blockade programme from July 10 for indefinite period. The blockade was called in support of separate State for Tribal people – Twipraland. Ruling CPIM and merchants’ organization consisting of both tribal and non tribal traders condemned the blockade and appealed to withdraw the programme. However, IPFT, known for its appetite to create troubles, decided to go on and block Assam-Agartala National Highway and railways for indefinite period.
Sources said, supporters of IPFT (NC) started to assemble at three places under Barmura hill areas since today morning. It is learnt, IPFT supporters will block Assam-Agartala National Highway tomorrow at Khamtingbari and Sadhu Para while another group of supporters will stage rail blockade at Brigudasbari area.
As part of precautionary step, Police administration is diverting traffic to Agartala-Teliamura Road via Khowai. Vehicles coming from Agartala side are being diverted from Khayerpur.
Speaking to media, president of IPFT State committee N C Debbarma said, IPFT announced its decision to organize indefinite blockade of rail and roadways from July 10 in support of separate State for tribal people. “Around 50,000 supporters of IPFT will participate in the blockade programme and so far 25,000 supporters have assembled at different places and rest of the supporters is on the way to predefined spots”, Debbarma said. He stated, the blockade will continue for indefinite period and urged co-operation from the Police administration.
