17 injured in Agartala clashes over separate state for tribals

Agartala, August 23

At least 17 people were injured in clashes between supporters and activists of Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) and local residents in different parts of the capital on Tuesday, the police said.

"A group of people from the procession of IPFT attacked some persons at the heart of the town at Kaman Chowmuhai and ransacked some shops and set fire to some vehicles, apparently without provocation.

"This incident resulted in clashes and at least 17 people, 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 contingent of police and paramilitary forces brought the situation under control, he said.

Bhaumick said in one place the police had to resort to lathicharge to disperse the unruly crowd.

The IPFT, a tribal based party, today took out a procession in the city demanding ‘Twipra land’, a separate state for the tribals by curbing out the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) from the state.

The tribal council constitutes two-thirds of the state territory and home to tribals who form one third of the population.

The ruling CPI(M) has condemned the activities of IPFT supporters and alleged it was a planned conspiracy to disrupt the communal harmony of the state.

"IPFT is trying to disrupt the communal harmony since long. Today's incident was a pre-planned and aimed at breaking the communal harmony and peace in the state. We appeal to all to maintain peace and calm," the party said in a statement. — PTI