The BJP in Tripura blamed the Opposition CPI(M) for allegedly instigating Tuesday’s violence that led police to open fire on protesters during 12-hour strike against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha. At least 11 tribal activists were wounded in the incident and several shops were set on fire at Madhav Bari, 14 km east of here.
“We have information that a former Minister and CPI(M) leader held a secret meeting prior to demonstration. The ultimate design was to create a riot like situation between tribal and non-tribal people”, BJP leader and State Health Minister Sudip Roy Barman said on Wednesday.
Mr. Barman made the allegation after visiting the injured at G.B. Hospital and enquired about their treatment. The patients were also visited by Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Debbarman, Forest Minister Mebar Kumar Jamatia and former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar.
CPI(M) has strongly refuted the allegation and held BJP and its coalition partner IPFT responsible for orchestrating violence. The party in a statement also defended former Minister Manik Dey who was indirectly referred to by Mr. Barman in his accusation.
Internet and cellular services have been stopped for 48 hours under instruction of the State government to prevent rumors from spreading. This has been fourth occasion internet services in the State were halted in the aftermath of violence.
Heavy security patrolling has been taking place at Madhav Bari and adjoining places where security forces opened fire on protestors of Twipra Students Federation (TSF) and supporting tribal parties after they went on a rampage setting non-tribal shops on fire.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) has demanded judicial probe into the violence at Madhav Bari. INPT General Secretary Jagadish Debbarma claimed the situation became tense after police applied excessive force.
