17 injured in clashes between IPFT supporters, Agartala locals

Agartala, Aug 23 (PTI) At least 17 people were injuredin clashes between supporters and activists of IndigenousPeople’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) and local residents indifferent parts of the capital today, the police said. "A group of people from the procession of IPFTattacked some persons at the heart of the town at KamanChowmuhai and ransacked some shops and set fire to somevehicles, apparently without provocation. "This incident resulted in clashes and at least 17people including women were injured," SP (Police Control),Uttam Bhaumick said. Soon after the incident, DGP, K Nagraj and SP (West),Abhijit Saptarshi rushed to the spot with a large contingentof police and paramilitary forces brought the situation undercontrol, he said. Bhaumick said in one place the police had to resort tolathi charge to disperse the unruly crowd. The IPFT, a tribal based party, today took out aprocession in the city demanding ‘Twipra land’, a separatestate for the tribals by curbing out the Tripura Tribal AreasAutonomous District Council (TTAADC) from the state. The tribal council constitutes two third of the stateterritory and home to tribals who form one third of thepopulation. The ruling CPI(M) has condemned the activities of IPFTsupporters and alleged it was a preplanned conspiracy todisrupt the communal harmony of the state. "IPFT is trying to disrupt the communal harmony sincelong. Today’s incident was a preplanned and aimed at breakingthe communal harmony and peace in the state. We appeal to allto maintain peace and calm," the party said in a statement.PTI JOYDKB