Tripura: Several injured in clash at BJP meeting

Agartala: A BJP programme in Hejamara under West Tripura district turned violent on Sunday when alleged Tipra Motha supporters attacked a pre-scheduled clothes distribution ceremony organised by the BJP Shimna Mandal at the local community hall.

Senior BJP leader Mangal Debbarma sustained a serious head injury, while several party workers and even a multimedia journalist covering the event were assaulted. The victims were later shifted to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala for treatment.

The event was supposed to be attended by former Chief Minister and West Tripura MP Biplab Kumar Deb, but the violence broke out before his arrival.

Narrating the incident, Mangal Debbarma said he had reached the venue early to supervise preparations when a large group suddenly stormed the hall and began attacking BJP workers.

He claimed that the assailants were Tipra Motha supporters and even identified some local leaders allegedly present at the spot.

“Tipra Motha, BJP and IPFT are coalition partners in the state. Still, we are not being allowed to hold political programmes in their strongholds. Our workers were brutally thrashed right in front of me,” he told reporters.

Following the attack, Biplab Kumar Deb visited the hospital to meet the injured and directed local leaders to file an FIR. He termed the incident as an act of “fringe elements” and urged alliance workers to maintain harmony.

“No one benefits from violence. All of us have to live together in the same society. Such attacks are condemnable,” Deb said, adding that he had spoken to Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, who is currently outside Tripura.

According to him, apart from Mangal Debbarma’s head injury, a woman worker suffered hand injuries while a journalist was also beaten during the assault.