Bandh in Dharmagar passes off peacefully

From a correspondent 

Agartala, Oct 28: The 12-hour Dharmagar bandh called by the rival labour fronts, affiliated to the CPI (M) and BJP, passed off peacefully as no untoward incident has been reported from any part of the sub-division. 

However, police had to be on their toes as both the sides took out processions, shouting provocative slogans.  The bandh was called following clashes between two groups of transport workers mely CITU and BMS on Friday in the northern most sub-division of Tripura, forcing the police to resort to lathi charge injuring at least 16 persons. The district administration had to impose section 144 to prevent further escalation of violence. The CPI (M) is affiliated to CITU and the BJP is affiliated to BMS. 

It is learnt that the tension started following refusal by the CITU that controls car syndicate to issue line permit to a bus driver who belongs to BMS. He alleged that the CITU leaders refused to issue permit as he attended a BMS rally at Agartala few days ago. However, the CITU leaders denied the allegation. Police said tension is still prevailing in the town but situation is under control. Police patrolling has been heightened in all the sensitive areas.