Violence: IPFT calls strike in TTAADC on May 22

PR

AGARTALA, May 20 2021: Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), alliance partner of state’s ruling BJP, has called a general strike in the jurisdiction of the Tripura Tribal Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) on May 22 to protest violence allegedly perpetrated by the TIPRA (Tipraha Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance). The party specifically complained ‘spate of attacks and intimidation on its leaders’ including that of senior Minister NC Debbarma.

IPFT leaders said they have multiple demands that prompted them to call the strike amid Covid-19 pandemic. Financial assistance to people who were physically harmed or their belongings destroyed in targeted attacks after elections to the TTAADC has been a core demand.

TIPRA launched by state’s royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, established victory in the elections and wrested power in the TTAADC which has limited administrative authority over state’s three fourth land.

IPFT is also opposing dissolution of elected 587 village committees (substitute to Panchayati system) and formation of development committees in their place by the new regime of the TTAADC. The party which failed to win a single seat in TTAADC poll claimed the move politically motivated.

IPFT further alleged that its MLAs and leaders are facing confrontation in their respective segments at behest of the TIPRA.

TIPRA Chairman Pradyot Kishore Debbarman denounced the violence and issued a directive to expel party workers whoever involved in untoward incidents.

The royal scion Thursday rushed to Belbari area in west Tripura after hearing reports of harassment of local MLA and IPFT leader Birendra Tripura.  He pacified angry crowds there and talked to police officials to restore order.

He even took initiative to shift some people who sustained minor injuries to the hospital.