Tripura Pre-Poll Violence Continues, 1 Dead in Clashes Between BJP-CPI (M) Supporters

Former Minister Bhanulal Saha who is now a CPI-M member, was also injured in the clashes

Reported by Pinaki Das

Violence in poll-bound Tripura continues. One person, said to be a CPI-M supporter, died after being injured in clashes between supporters of ruling BJP and opposition CPI-M during a rally organised by CPI-M at Charilam Assembly Constituency in Tripura’s Sepahijala district. Fifteen persons were injured in the clashes. Former Minister Bhanulal Saha who is now a CPI-M member, was also injured in the clashes.

Crude bombs were hurled, bricks pelted and police had to resort to lathicharge and fire tear gas shells to disperse the clashing supporters of both parties. The national highway No 8 connecting Agartala and Sabroom, in South Tripura the last point along the India-Bangladesh border and an important route leading to the Chittagong Port, was closed for around half an hour.

The deceased has been identified as one Sahid Mia from Charilam.

Charilam is the constituency of Deputy CM Jishnu Dev Varma. The BJP camp alleged that a CPI-M leader from Bishalghar was behind the clashes. The leader wanted to disturb peace in the area. The CPI-M has countered the allegations said put the blame on BJP saying the ruling party initiated the attack on the peaceful demonstrators.

Edited by Oineetom Ojah

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