IPFT apologises for Agartala violence, but accuses CPI(M)

Agartala, Aug 24 (PTI) The Indigenous People’s Frontof Tripura (IPDT) today apologised for vandalism in parts ofthe city yesterday but accused the ruling CPI(M) of triggeringthe violence which led to a backlash by it’s cadre. At least 22 people including five police personnelwere injured in clashes in different parts of the statecapital yesterday after a section of processionists of an IPFTrally attacked people and damaged some shops. SP, Police Control, Uttam Bhaumick said clashes hadoccurred when some miscreants from the procession had attackedpeople and damaged shops apparently without "any provocation". Locals then attacked them and as a result 17 peopleand five policemen were injured. The SP said, situation in the city is normal andgovernment has re-enforced prohibitory orders under section144 of CrPC and intensified patrolling to maintain law andorder. Apologising for the vandalism, President of IPFT, N CDebbarma today shifted the blame on ruling CPI-M saying it’sactivists had first pelted stones and bottles of beer from theroof top on the procession and then attacked them. He said, some supporters of IPFT then hurled stones inretaliation and counter attacked with iron rods and as aresult a motorcycle showroom was damaged and cameras of fewphoto journalists were also damaged. Debbarma further alleged that it was a preplannedattack by some of the miscreants aided by CPI-M and demandedan inquiry by a sitting judge of a High Court to unearth thereal fact of clash. Meanwhile, Gana Mukti Parishad (GMP), the tribal wingCPI-M condemned yesterday’s incident and alleged that thepre-planned attack was carried out by IPFT to disturb thepeace and communal harmony between the tribals and the nontribals of the state. "It is clearly understood that the attack waspreplanned because the participants of the procession werecarrying iron rods and they intentionally damaged shops andmanhandled people including women," Secretary of the GMP andChief Executive Member (CEM) of Tripura Tribal AreasAutonomous District Council (TTAADC), Radhacharan Debbarmatold reporters. The tribal council constitutes two third of the stateterritory and home to tribals, who form one third of thepopulation. The Left Front is in absolute control of the tribalcouncil occupying all the seats in the 30-member panel. PTIJOY SUS SMJSNP