At least nine people, including two policemen, were injured in a clash between supporters of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at Teliyamura in Khowai district of Tripura. The police gave this information on Sunday.
CPI(M) leaders and supporters had gathered for a meeting at Karailong, about 30 km from state capital Agartala, on Saturday night.
Teliyamura Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Prasoon Tripura said, “While the meeting was going on, a group of youths suddenly attacked the CPI(M) workers. CPI(M) workers also protested, leading to clashes between the two sides.
At least nine people, including two policemen deployed to provide security to the CPI(M) meeting, were injured in the clash, he said.
A strong contingent of police and Tripura State Rifles led by SDPO Teliyamura reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
Prasoon Tripura said that all the injured, including two policemen, were taken to Teliyamura Hospital, from where three CPI(M) workers were referred to GBP Hospital in Agartala for better treatment.
According to the SDPO, the police have registered a case taking suo motu cognizance of the incident. He said that all those involved in the incident would soon be issued notices to probe the matter.
A CPI(M) leader said, “Our meeting in Koroilong area was suddenly attacked by 10-12 BJP supporters and at least 10 of our colleagues were injured. They also damaged the tables and chairs at the meeting place.”
According to the CPI(M) leader, six of his comrades injured in the attack by BJP supporters were taken to Teliyamura health centre, out of which three have been sent to GBP hospital. Meanwhile, the party condemned the attack on the meeting and demanded the immediate arrest of the attackers.
Meanwhile, BJP’s chief whip in the state assembly, representing Teliyamura constituency, Kalyani Roy claimed that CPI(M) supporters were the first to attack BJP workers.
“Five to six BJP workers were injured in the attack. The CPI(M) is trying to create unrest in Teliyamura to come into the limelight ahead of the assembly elections.”
Roy said a BJP delegation has met the officer-in-charge of Teliyamura police station, Subrata Chakraborty, and demanded action against those responsible for the attack on party supporters.
Assembly elections are due in Tripura early next year.
