BJP, CPI (M) clash in Tripura, counter FIRs registered, no arrests yet

“Police intervened and brought the situation under control through peaceful manner. There are no reports of major injuries of anyone. Some people might have had minor injuries”, the SP said.

Both sparring political parties registered complaints at the local police station. However, no one was arrested till latest reports came in.

CPI (M) state secretary Bijan Dhar said BJP supporters gathered at Durlav Narayan market while the CPI (M) rally was in progress and attacked them. “BJP supporters attacked our party workers during the rally. Three party workers were injured. They set our party office on fire. Local villagers and firefighters brought the situation under control”, Dhar said.

He also said that communist party workers are under constant fear of attacks and are prevented from holding party meetings and rallies.

In a second incident, BJP workers allegedly attacked a sub-divisional office at Dukli area in West Tripura on Wednesday morning. “Some party workers were holding a meeting inside the office. The office was secured with locked collapsible gates, which is why the attackers couldn’t gain access inside. They pelted stones at the office and damaged some motorcycles and vehicles on their way back”, Dhar said.

Reacting to the allegations, BJP spokesperson Dr. Ashok Sinha said CPI (M) was accustomed to “habitual lying”. “They are habitual liars. They have been accustomed to this for decades. These allegations of attacks are baseless lies. I suggest them to try speaking truth once in a while. It is good for the health”, Sinha, who is also an acclaimed physician, said.