Northeast Desk, 23rd July: Leader of the Opposition in Tripura, Jitendra Chaudhury, announced that a privilege motion will be brought in the Tripura Legislative Assembly against Director General of Tripura Police Amitabh Ranjan and certain officials for restricting their visit to Gandatwisa in Dhalai District.
At a press conference, Chaudhury, also a CPI(M) MLA, expressed his concerns over the prevailing “misrule” in Gandatwisa since the death of a young boy on July 12, which triggered massive protests and left many residents homeless and without livelihoods. He blamed the state government for failing to manage the situation initially, though they later took steps to contain it.
Chaudhury recounted his efforts to coordinate with state officials, including speaking with the Dhalai District Magistrate, Chief Minister, and DG on July 12 to provide support and ensure effective measures were taken. He stated that on July 18, he had communicated with the Dhalai DM, Saju Vaheed, expressing his intent to visit on July 20. The DM requested a postponement, and an agreement was made for a visit on July 22.
However, on the day of the visit, Chaudhury and four other CPI(M) leaders faced obstruction. Their police escorts were instructed not to proceed without the DM’s permission. Despite starting their journey without an escort, they were stopped near Gandacherra by a large contingent of Tripura Police, CRPF, and Tripura State Rifles, who prevented their entry into Gandatwisa.
Chaudhury criticized the DGP for allegedly failing to control the violence while using police forces to block assembly members from visiting the affected area. He accused a section of officials and political executives from Agartala of pressuring local authorities to prevent the visit.
Chaudhury vowed to bring privilege motions in the Assembly against these actions, asserting that they curtailed their democratic and constitutional rights. He questioned the administration’s claims of normalcy if they were so fearful of legislators visiting the area.
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