Guwahati: Tensions in Tripura increased ahead of the impending assembly elections as confrontations broke out in the state’s Belonia and Bishalgarh constituencies on Sunday.
Initial reports state that the Communist Party of India-Marxist and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers were involved in the altercations (CPI-M). According to accounts, other Congress party workers were also involved in the altercations.
According to reports, the early-morning incident that resulted in injuries for a total of 10 people. Five workers from each side were among the injured.
Reportedly, BJP supporters entered a CPI-M campaign in Belonia whereupon a physical altercation broke out, injuring five members of the saffron party. Five members of the Congress were hurt in another attack in Bishalgarh by BJP workers.
Meanwhile, the injured victims were sent right away to a local hospital where they are receiving treatment.
Workers from the Congress and CPI-M led demonstrations later in the day, blocking the entrance to the Bishalgarh Police Station and calling for action against the BJP employees. They shouted abuse and demanded the detention of the BJP thugs.
Additionally, representatives of the Congress party and CPI-M said that the police did little to stop the violence in Bishalgarh and Belonia. They claimed that the police were only spectators to the entire episode and did nothing to stop the attacks on their party members.
Additionally, after learning about the incident Tripura Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman proceeded to meet with the police officer in charge of the Bishalgarh Police Station. But when he got to the police station, he couldn’t find a senior officer. He then requested the immediate arrest of the BJP members responsible for inciting the violence in the state that is going to the polls.