Bandh in TTAADC marred by violence, evokes mixed response

From A Correspondent

Agartala, Feb 8 : The 12–hour bandh in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council evoked mixed response as incidents of sporadic violence was reported from different parts of the state.

The All Tripura Indigenous Regiol Parties Forum, an organisation of three tribal based political parties had given the bandh call to protest against the proposed amendment of the citizenship act. The ruling Left Front led by CPI(M) opposed the bandh. Life in larger part of the TTAADC area came to a standstill as very few vehicles were seen on the roads and all the trains plying through the areas were suspended as a security measure.

Hundreds of picketers were seen in all the markets and urban areas while the anti-bandh forces also were active. Most of the educatiol institutions remained closed while attendance in government offices including in the TTAADC head quarter Khumulung was near normal. Incidents of violence were reported from Gandachera, Subroom, 82-miles, Manu and several other places. Administration had to impose section 144 in Gandachera where pro and anti bandh activists clashed each other over closure of shops. In Subroom vice-president of the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura Budhu Debbarma sustained minor injuries and his car was damaged by the anti-bandh activists. At least 12 persons sustained injuries when bandh supporters clashed with anti bandh activists and three of them had to admit in the hospital with grave injuries.

Jagadish Debbarma, joint secretary of the forum claimed total success of the bandh and said people responded positively. He said some incidents of violence took place due to provocation by the ruling party supporters.

Radha Charan Debbarma, Chief Executive Member of the TTAADC and a senior CPI(M) leader told that people have rejected the bandh call and the evil design of creating disturbance in the state. The CPI(M) also organised a rally at Khumulung congratulating the people for not responding to the bandh call.