Three persons have been killed and more than 100 injured in violence that broke out after results were declared in the two Lok Sabha constituencies in Tripura. A few hundred houses and shops were also attacked or set on fire.
The flare-up is blamed on police failure to get tough with perpetrators. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, now in Delhi with the new MPs, has asked the police to restore law and order.
The Congress and the CPI(M) have alleged that their workers are subjected to extortion. Even RSS workers were assaulted by what the BJP’s spokesperson branded as “new entrants” to the party.
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Houses of lawyers, senior politicians — including CPI(M) secretary Gautam Das — and journalists were stoned. A mob demanded a hefty sum from two rural journalists. A 60-year-old man, identified as Rabi Paul, allegedly committed suicide in Belonia after he was asked to pay ₹3 lakh for “victory celebrations”.
Congress president Pradyot Deb Barman announced the creation of a crisis fund to support party workers hit by the violence. He contributed ₹10 lakh to the fund and appealed to Congress leaders for a similar gesture.
Police sources said at least 50 injured were admitted to hospital.
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The Agartala Press Club has condemned the attacks on journalists and urged the government to ensure the safety and security of journalists.