The opposition parties in Tripura, CPIM and Congress slammed the ruling BJP on in Agartala on Monday over the violence at Koitorabari in Ranirbazar sub-division under the West Tripura.
The violence erupted on Sunday evening after an idol at a local Kali Temple in the mixed-population area of the sub-division was defaced, sparking tensions.
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CPIM leaders accused BJP and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) supporters of orchestrating attacks on members of the minority community residing in the area.
"The ruling party BJP and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's communal forces, with flags flying on their vehicles, systematically attacked several minority families in the presence of a state minister", the CPIM leaders of Tripura alleged.
The Leftists also alleged, "The attackers, armed with sticks, rods, swords, petrol, and other weapons, carried out a brutal and barbaric attack. They vandalized, looted, and set fire to 21 houses belonging to 9 families. BJP miscreants turned back a fire service vehicle from Ranirbazar on its way to the incident site".
Narrating about the attacks, CPIM leaders claimed BJP-VHP backed goons ransacked and looted 10 houses and set fire to 11 vehicles, and vandalized and burned down 7 motorcycles. Six shops were vandalized, and three were set on fire. Livestock perished in the fire, and four cows were stolen. Gold ornaments, money, and valuables were also looted. Many families have been left destitute, and there is widespread panic in the area.
"Alarmingly, these incidents occurred in the presence of police officers and a large number of police personnel", the CPIM leaders alleged.
Condemning the attack on the minority people, the Leftists demanded the immediate arrest and strict punishment of the attackers. They demanded that foolproof security be ensured in the affected area, adequate assistance be provided to the affected families, and houses be rebuilt for those whose homes were burned down. The government must take full responsibility for the safety of these families."
The Left leaders kept mum on the defacing of the idol in the Kali Temple.
The Tripura Pradesh Congress also condemned the incident. Addressing a press conference in Agartala on Monday, Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman demanded strict punitive action against the culprits.
He said, Congress has demanded strict action against those trying to disrupt the peace, harmony, and unity between Hindus and Muslims.
In this context, Sudip Roy Barman also demanded financial assistance for the victims.
(Tripura, Tripura News)