Agartala, January 8 — The Tripura unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday staged a protest at Hezamara, condemning the alleged attack on its party workers by activists of its ruling alliance partner, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), and demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.
The demonstration was led by BJP general secretary Bipin Debbarma, who alleged that BJP workers were brutally assaulted on Wednesday night shortly after the inauguration of the party’s office at Hezamara Bazaar. According to Debbarma, BJP workers were intercepted and critically attacked by “goons of the Tipra Motha Party,” several of whom, he claimed, already face multiple police complaints.
He said the injured BJP leaders are currently undergoing treatment at the Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Medical College and Hospital and are reportedly in serious condition. “This protest has been organised to condemn the violence and to press for swift police action. An FIR has already been lodged, and we are demanding the immediate arrest of the attackers,” Debbarma said.
The BJP leader further alleged that local Tipra Motha MLA and Minister of State Brishketu Debbarma had instigated the attack. He accused the minister of promoting discord among indigenous communities despite repeatedly speaking about ‘Thansa’, or unity among tribal people.
Issuing a strong warning to the Tipra Motha Party, Bipin Debbarma said such acts of violence would not be tolerated and would have political consequences in the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections. “Through violence and intimidation, Tipra Motha cannot continue to dominate tribal areas. The people do not support such activities,” he asserted.
Reiterating the BJP’s stand for peaceful coexistence, Debbarma said the party believes in harmony between tribal and non-tribal communities. “Creating an atmosphere of fear and violence will be rejected by the people,” he added, while expressing full confidence in Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha and the state’s law enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Bijoy Debbarma confirmed that police are investigating the incident. He said a case has been registered against ten persons based on allegations against Tipra Motha supporters, and a suo motu case has also been filed as the local Officer-in-Charge sustained injuries. No arrests had been made at the time of reporting.
The incident has further sharpened tensions between the BJP and Tipra Motha Party ahead of the crucial TTAADC elections.
