Tripura remained largely unaffected by the 12-hour bandh called by the Left Front on Sunday. The bandh was declared in response to the tragic death of CPIM candidate for Zilla Parishad in the Three-tier Panchayat election, Badal Shil, who was attacked by alleged BJP miscreants on Saturday.
Despite the call for a shutdown, daily life in Tripura continued with minimal disruption. Most shops, markets, and businesses remained open, and public transportation operated as usual. Schools and colleges functioned normally, and government offices saw regular attendance. The public largely went about their routines, showing little support for the bandh.
Chief Minister Manik Saha condemned the violence and urged the public to maintain peace and harmony. He assured that the government would take necessary steps to investigate the incident and bring the culprits to justice. He emphasized that such acts of violence are unacceptable and that the state is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
The Left Front, however, expressed disappointment over the response to the bandh. Leaders of the Left Front argued that the lack of participation does not diminish the gravity of the incident. They criticized the ruling party for what they described as a failure to maintain law and order, which they believe led to Shil’s death.
In response to the bandh call, police and security forces were deployed in key areas across the state to prevent any untoward incidents. The security presence ensured that there were no reports of violence or significant disturbances throughout the day. Authorities remained vigilant, ready to address any potential flashpoints.
Local residents voiced mixed reactions to the bandh. While some expressed solidarity with the Left Front’s cause, many others felt that shutting down daily activities was not the right approach to address the issue. They emphasized the need for dialogue and legal action rather than disrupting public life.