Two IPFT factions clash, 13 injured

From A Correspondent

Agartala, May 12: At least 13 persons sustained injuries when the supporters of the two factions of the Indigenous Peoples’ Front of Twipra fought a pitched battle at Lafunga in Mohonpur sub-division of West Tripura district.

The incident took place when the breakaway faction of the party led by Budhu Debbarma was holding a meeting in the Lafunga community hall and supporters of the rival faction led by party president N C Debbarma raised objection that the defectors have no right to use the me of IPFT.

Over one hundred supporters of the NC faction armed with lathis and takkals (A sharp cutting weapon used by local tribal) in several cars arrived on the spot and told Budhu supporters to stop the meeting.

A scuffle ensued when both the factions used available weapons freely  and the whole area was terrorized. Traders in the Lefunga   market shut down their shops spreading fear everywhere.

However, the situation was brought under control within a short spell due to timely intervention of the local police. Shyama Prasad Das, officer-in-charge of the Lefunga police station said all the injured have been shifted to hospital and adequate steps have been taken to maintain peace in the area.

He said at least 13 people belonging to both factions sustained injuries. They include Prabir Kaloi and Aghor Debbarma, senior leaders of the Budhu Debbarma faction. All of them were later released from the hospital.

Rajeswer Debbarma, former MLA and a leader of the Budhu faction said it was a pre-planned attack and the NC faction was backed by ruling CPI(M).