Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has ordered an inquiry into the attack on Leader of Opposition and former state CM Manik Sarkar by BJP workers in South Tripura district. Biplab Deb has formed an inquiry committee to probe the incident. The committee has been asked to submit its report inside 48 hours.
A senior official from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) told stated that the enquiry committee will be headed by the district superintendent of police. Tripura Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced the formation of the inquiry committee whilst rubbishing the claims that Manik Sarkar was attacked by BJP-backed goons.
It may possibly be recalled that Sarkar was going to Shantirbazaar in South Tripura along with other party leaders to meet party workers who had faced attacks. He claimed that his convoy was attacked by a big group of persons and the miscreants had the backing of the ruling BJP.
He claimed that BJP’s state leadership was instigating miscreants to perpetrate attacks on opposition leaders and it will not be forgotten. Manik Sarkar also accused the CM of failing to provide the rule of law in Tripura and stated that he welcomed violent attacks on himself if his blood and life can reinstate peace and prosperity.
The attacks came about a week soon after CM Biplab Deb claimed that his government has place an finish to the culture of violence allegedly began with the Left government.
Manik Sarkar led delegation with CPIM MLAs attacked today at Shantirbazar, Tripura by BJP goons. CPIM strongly condemns this and demands quick arrest of the persons involved. BJP Govt in the state has lost credibility and is working with such techniques to cease the opposition. Shameful! pic.twitter.com/TybvyviudK
— CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) May 10, 2021
The Tripura Police had clarified that they had deployed sufficient safety in the region that Sarkar was going to pay a visit to. “Hon’ble CM has asked SP (South Tripura) for a report on the incident of attack on CPIM leaders at Santirbazar on 10 May, 2021. Further, it is clarified that there was adequate deployment and senior police officers were present at the venue,” stated Tripura Police in a tweet.
The CPI-M has condemned the attack on Manik Sarkar. “The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly condemns the attack by BJP hoodlums on former Tripura Chief Minister and CPI(M) Polit Bureau member, Manik Sarkar at Santirbazar, South Tripura. In a programme permitted by the Tripura Police and the administration, Manik Sarkar and the opposition team was physically attacked and prevented from visiting the houses of some party leaders and cadres and supporters who were subjected to attacks earlier,” it stated in a statement.
Hon’ble CM has asked SP (South Tripura) for a report on the incident of attack on CPIM leaders at Santirbazar on 10 May, 2021. Further it is clarified that there was sufficient deployment and senior police officers have been present at the venue.
— Tripura Police (@Tripura_Police) May 11, 2021
The CPI-M stated that the BJP is displaying its accurate character and colour by not permitting any democratic activity of the opposition in Tripura.