Former Tripura CM Manik Sarkar attacked, held by alleged BJP workers: Report
Tripura's ex-CM Manik Sarkar was allegedly attacked and held up by BJP workers while on his way back to Agartala from an event nearby.
Agartala, Tripura: Former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar was allegedly held up by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in party office about 25 kms from Agartala after he faced an attack earlier. Sarkar, accompanied by senior CPI(M) workers was returning from a meeting to commemorate the November Revolution when his convoy was attacked by alleged BJP workers, as per an Indian Express report.
The police intervened and escorted Sarkar to Agartala from the party office at Rastar Matha. He was accompanied by former finance minister Bhanulal Saha, Sonamura constituency MLA Shyamal Chakraborty, former minority welfare minister Sahid Choudhury and Kamalasagar MLA Narayan Choudhury at the hall meeting. Two associates of MLA Choudhury sustained minor injuries in the attack.
Tripura CPI(M) in a statement said that the alleged ‘BJP supported hooligans’ were behind the attack.
CPI (M) state office bearer Rakhal Majumder said,” Manik joined the hall meeting to commemorate the November Revolution anniversary at Bishalgarh sub-divisional office on Friday. A group of BJP supported hooligans gathered outside the hall before the event started. They tried to dissuade participants from joining the event. After it got over, they attacked party leaders who were returning home “.
CPI(M) condemned the incident calling it “undemocratic and fascist”. Criticising the attack, BJP spokesperson Ashok Sinha denied any knowledge of the incident. Sinha and other opposition leaders called it “undesirable”.
“This is sad. The government will find out the truth, if any such thing has happened and those behind it will be punished. It is undesired that a veteran leader like Manik Sarkar should face such incidents. Whoever did this, should be punished according to law. This is damaging to democracy” Sinh was quoted by Indian Express as saying.