By our correspondent
Agartala, January 08, 2019: As situation in Madhab bari in West Tripura is stated to be limping back to normalcy, Assam Rifles jawans were deployed to avert any further violence and instill confidence among the people. Meanwhile, as a pre-cautionary step, administration has suspended mobile internet and SMS across the State. However, broadband services remain in force.
Violence erupted during 11-hour strike in ADC area in Tripura – the strike was called by NESO protesting against Citizen’s (amendment) Bill. According to available information, around 6 persons were injured. It may be noted, NESO sponsored bandh was not a part of 48-hour All India strike.
Ministers and leaders of Political parties appealed to all for peace and urged to restore normalcy. They – irrespective of political differences – stressed immediate restoration of normalcy and termed the incident as ‘unfortunate’.
BJP spokesperson Ashok Sinha in a press statement blamed the opposition CPI-M for the Madhavbari incident and alleged,. It is a conspiracy of CPI-M. The statement termed the incident as unfortunate and condemnable urging people of the state to maintain peace and harmony.
Health minister Sudip Roy Barman said, according to preliminary report the incident was pre-planned. It was orchestrated by a former minister and MLA of the area who had secret meeting today morning here in Jirania. About the injured, he said that government would provide all kind of medical assistance to the injured persons.
Click here to listen Health Minister’s Statement
IPFT leader and Tribal welfare minister Mebar Kumar Jamatia criticised the firing incident on picketers. He said primary task of the party is to look after the treatment of the injured youths. The IPFT will bring the matter to the notice of the Government and ask for investigation of the firing incident.
Former Chief Minister and opposition leader Manik Sarkar termed the incident as unfortunate. Urging people not to pay heed to rumours, he also appealed for peace and harmony in the state. He said the government and law enforcement agencies should take immediate step so that the situation remains under control. Speaking about the incident Sarkar said the violence could have been avoided if the local civil and police administrations would take slew of extra precaution measures.
Click here to listen Manik Sarkar’s statement
INPT general secretary Jagadish Debbarma criticized the ruling BJP-IPFT government for incident. He said, the youths were observing the 11 hour strike in peaceful way. He alleged, without any prior warning, the law enforcement agencies started firing at youths. He also warned of organizing intensified demonstration by INPT demanding impartial inquiry. Mentioning about IPFT’s ten days road blockade, Debbarma said during that period not a single drop of blood was shed.
Rajeshwar Debbarma former MLA demanded high level inquiry by independent investigating agency and criticized the incident.
