Agartala, April 1:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday accused Tipra Motha supporters of unleashing violence in Tripura’s Dhalai district, leaving several security personnel injured and damaging multiple vehicles, amid rising political tensions ahead of the April 12 TTAADC elections.
Clashes broke out in the West Lambuchhara area of Kamalpur subdivision after Tipra Motha activists staged a road blockade. Security forces, including police and Tripura State Rifles (TSR), faced resistance while attempting to clear the obstruction, leading to a confrontation that soon turned violent.
Officials said stones and bricks were allegedly hurled at the forces, injuring the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, a woman constable, and at least 12 TSR personnel.
The injured were shifted to Bimal Sinha Memorial Hospital in Kamalpur, where they were treated and kept under observation.
The situation escalated further when BJP candidate Ananta Debbarma arrived in the area to campaign in the Halhalli-Asharambari constituency, where the blockade had been enforced.
Security has since been intensified, with heavy deployment of police and TSR personnel to restore order. The area continues to remain tense.
In a related development, another incident of alleged violence was reported from Srirampur Anandabazar along National Highway 208.
Vehicles belonging to MLA Manoj Kanti Deb and BJP candidate Ananta Debbarma were reportedly attacked, leaving at least three persons injured.
Reacting to the incidents, former Minister and MLA Manoj Kanti Deb alleged that BJP workers and supporters were deliberately targeted during election-related activities.
He claimed that around five vehicles were vandalised and party members were assaulted, disrupting campaign efforts in several areas.
Deb further stated that the incidents had adversely affected the election process, with disturbances reported from multiple locations.
He said the matter has been brought to the notice of authorities, and demanded a thorough investigation.
The twin incidents have heightened concerns over law and order in the region, with authorities stepping up deployment to prevent further escalation as campaigning intensifies in the tribal belt.
