Agartala, March 12: The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), the women’s wing of the Opposition CPI(M), staged a massive protest in Agartala on Wednesday, alleging a rise in crimes against women, soaring prices of essential items, and increasing unemployment under the BJP-led government in Tripura.
As part of its Raj Bhavan Abhiyan, protesters marched towards the Governor’s House, demanding immediate action on these pressing issues.
Over the last two months, the organization collected 9,735 signatures from women across the state on six crucial demands, submitting deputations to SDPOs in various districts. On Wednesday, they presented the same petition to the Governor, along with an additional 5,000 signatures in support of their demands.
The key demands of AIDWA are: stronger laws and stricter punishment for crimes against women, effective measures to curb inflation and reduce the financial burden on common people, tough action against drug traffickers and a crackdown on narcotics sales, improved law and order to ensure public safety, creation of 50,000 government jobs to tackle unemployment, increase in MGNREGA workdays and wages with timely wage payments.
AIDWA national vice-president Rama Das claimed that Tripura records 60 to 67 cases of crimes against women every month, including rape, gang rape, and molestation. Citing police reports, she alleged that the law-and-order situation had deteriorated under BJP rule.
Das also highlighted that 9.18 lakh MGNREGA job cards, most belonging to women, had been canceled, pushing thousands into financial distress. She accused the government of systematically removing women workers from various sectors, including health and horticulture.
“Tripura is witnessing complete lawlessness. Murders, violence, kidnappings, suicides, custodial deaths, and dacoities have become routine,” Das said.
The protest rally began at Swami Vivekananda Maidan and proceeded along VIP Road toward the Governor’s House. However, heavy security deployment at Circuit House halted the march, forcing CPI(M) leaders to address protesters at the spot.
AIDWA leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fighting against the BJP government’s anti-people policies and vowed to continue their movement for justice, safety, and employment in Tripura.
