Pitched clashes broke out between the Congress and BJP supporters in Agartala on Saturday. This triggered serious tension and panic. So far, five persons were arrested. The administration clamped Section 144 in the city.
In the clashes, Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman, who recently joined Congress has allegedly beaten miscreants – according to Roy Barman goons belonged to the ruling BJP. He was about to address a party programme near Math Choumuhani.
Tripura Pradesh Congress president Birajit Sinha condemned the attack. He said every political party has the right to hold rallies in a democratic system – however, BJP is not allowing the Opposition Parties. People are observing everything and will give a befitting reply.
Soon after the attack on Sudip Roy Barman along with some of his followers also launched an attack on the BJP Mandal office in Shibnagar and ransacked it. In the attack local BJP leader was wounded.
At night the angry BJP supporters held rallies and gathered in front of Congress Bhawan in Post Office Choumuhani. Some crude bombs were hurled and some bikes were also damaged by the miscreants. Police had to lathi-charge to bring the situation under control. .
Police sources said, the authorities had denied permission for the Congress meeting apprehending imminent violence.
The violent clashes among the supporters of the two parties followed by aggressive processions blame and counter blame. Cases were lodged and demands for arrests of the attackers were made.
After Congress supporters attacked the BJP Mandal Office, BJP workers brought out rallies and gathered in front of Congress Bhawan demanding immediate arrest of Sudip Roy Barman for instigating violence.
On the other hand, Congress came down heavily on the BJP for launching such a massive onslaught on the opposition party. Sudip Roy Barman strongly castigated the police for not acting against the attackers and accused them of being hand-in gloves with the BJP.
In the meantime, heavy security arrangements were made through the capital and simmering tension prevailed.
