Tension ran high at Demdum area under Fatikroy police station in Unakoti district on Sunday after the mortal remains of firefighter Biswajit Debbrma reached his residence.
Agitated people resorted to serious vandalism and destroyed the vehicle that drove Biswajit’s body home, sources claimed. The fire brigade vehicle was demolished, a local motorcycle also faced the mob fury and was reduced to pieces.
Later, the locals organized a big rally and being prevented by the police administration, they refused to pay any heed to the police. During the process, three police personnel sustained injuries while attempting to control the agitated mob. Two civilians also sustained injuries during the incident.
It is also worthy to be mentioned here that some of people who took part in the protests were seen trying to incite communal sentiments holding IPFT flags in hands.
However, addressing a Press conference later in the evening, IPFT Assistant General Secretary Mangal Debbarma denied having any links with the slogans shouted in the protests and said that some elements were trying to tarnish the image of the IPFT through such acts.
Mangal Debbarma on behalf of his party demanded Rs 20 lakh each for those – Fire Fighter Biswajit Debbarma and agitator Srikanta Das – who had died during the violent clashes erupted at Panisagar on Saturday. Addressing a Press Conference here in the residence of IPFT Supremo NC Debbarma, he said, “We want that each of the bereaved families who had lost their beloved ones in the violence should be given Rs 20 lakh each as compensation”.
Debbarma also said that the peace and tranquility needed to be kept intact and the trouble makers—Nagarik Suraksha Mancha and Mizo convention of Tripura leaders should be arrested. Debbarma also threatened an organized movement in failing to fulfill the demands.