August 23, 2017: Tripura Government’s decision not to allow tribal-based IPFT supporters to hold a rally in Agartala proved to be correct as unruly IPFT cadres indulged in violence today after the rally at Khumlwng around 25 KM away from Agartala. IPFT supporters assaulted one Dy SP of Tripura Police leaving him critically injured. The Police Officer was rushed to GB Hospital, Agartala with head and back injury.
On August 23, 2016, IPFT supporters held a rally and created mayhem leading to large scale panic in Agartala among tribal and non-tribal communities. After last year’s mindless violence in Agartala and ‘naked demonstration’ at Khamtingbari near Baramura during 10-day long rail and road blockade prompted the administration not to allow IPFT this year to organize rally in Agartala on August 23 to commemorate “TTAADC Day”.
Being denied to hold rally in Agartala, IPFT along with another tribal based party Twipraland State Party (TSP) held the rally at TTAADC HQ Khumlwng. While returning from rally venue, a group of IPFT cadres turned violent without any provocation and hit Dy SP Tarun Debbarma mercilessly with sticks.
Tarun Debbarma received grievious injuries in head and back, said Superintendent of Police (SP), West Abhijit Saptarshi. He also said a case of attempt to murder was lodged against some IPFT supporters, however, no one was arrested. Unlike last year, Police appears to play it tough as immediately after the violence, Police called up the organizers to the Police Station and “asked to undertake an internal inquiry and produce the errant IPFT supporters before the police at the earliest”, said the SP.
Violent attitude of IPFT received condemnation from all quarters including the tribal residents of Khumlwng area.
Addressing the president of IPFT, NC Debbarma reiterated demand for a separate State for tribal people. Debbarma said after a meeting with central government officials in Delhi and the Governor in Agartala, IPFT leaders are hopeful of positive action on their statehood demand. In his speech, Debbarma tried to convey to IPFT supporters that BJP led NDA Government would play a positive role in forming a separate State for tribal community.
