September 11, 2018: In the run-up to Panchayat by-polls, bloody violence broke at several places in West District, Khowai, Dhalai and North District in Tripura. Although no casualty was reported so far, tension is palpable.
Today was the last day of filing nominations. Earlier BJP and its ally IPFT indulged in violence in Boxanagar and Golagati area in Sepahijala district on Sunday. At Golaghati, BJP MLA’s house was ransacked and his wife was allegedly assaulted by IPFT activists on Sunday while MLA was away from home.
Except in West district, in other areas, BJP and its coalition partner IPFT activists resorted to hostility against each other on the issue of submitting nomination papers for three tier Panchayat slated to be held on September 30 next.
According senior journalists and political analysts, intensity of today’s flare ups indicates that leaders of BJP and its ally IPFT have failed to rein in their supporters. Moreover, frequent clashes between BJP and IPFT as well as alleged assaults on Opposition parties are likely to discredit the BJP-led Government in Tripura. “The present situation demands that BJP-IPFT act tough against their errant supporters and restore normalcy”, said one senior journalist.
In West District, BJP supporters allegedly launched attacks on Congress leaders at Dukli near Agartala in two phases. Congress leaders went to BDO office at Dukli to submit nominations today. Police resorted to lathi charge and fire tear gas to bring the situation under control. In the second phase of the violence, BJP allegedly pelted stones in which two police personnel were injured. Also few BJP supporters were injured in lathi charge by Police.
BJP MLA Ram Prashad Pal however said, “Police resorted to lathi charge on BJP activists even though there was no provocation by BJP activists.
Even DM office also witnessed ugly face of violence in which veteran woman Congress leader and former Minister laxmi Nag was lifted out. Congress party sources said, “Congress candidates were prevented from submitting nominations for Zilla Parishad seats in DM office at Agartala. Miscreants belonging to BJP assaulted and forcibly pushed them out of the DM’s building and created chaotic situation”. Panic ran high among the staff of DM office.
Khowai and Dhalai district were worst sufferers as supporters of BJP and IPFT fought pitched battles. In a daring act, violent mob attacked and injured two Police officials – Kamalpur SDPO Shankar Das and OC of Kamalpur PS Manik Debnath.
Besides, Gournagar block area under Khowai also witnessed violent clashes between BJP and its ally IPFT leaving several people injured. IPFT supporters staged road blockade at several places in Maharani, Ambassa etc.
In the wake of sporadic violence, administration restricted vehicular movements along vulnerable and sensitive Agartala to Kamalpur road via Khowai. This has left many passengers stranded.
In North, clashes between BJP and IPFT at Yubarajnagar created tension and resentment among common people. Even though situation is stated to be normal, tension among the people is obvious. Security arrangements have been strengthened.
