After alleged TIPRA Motha men attacked BJP supporters listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat radio address in Tripura’s Khowai district on Sunday, the police made an arrest on Monday in connection with the incident.
Speaking to reporters, Ranaditya Das, Superintendent of Police, Khowai, identified the arrested accused as Rintu Debbarma. “We are conducting an extensive search operation to arrest all accused persons named in the FIR,” he said of the 29 others booked in the case.
The TIPRA Motha is a ruling ally of the BJP. The attack in the Asharambari area landed the tribal party in a tight spot as Chief Minister Manik Saha said his government would not tolerate political violence.
“Strongly condemn the violent & undemocratic attack by TIPRA Motha party workers during Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi Ji’s #MannKiBaat programme at Asharambari. Several BJP karyakartas injured, 3 undergoing treatment at GB Hospital. I visited the hospital, instructed doctors to provide best care & directed police to take strict action against perpetrators. Such disgraceful acts won’t be tolerated,” he wrote on social media after visiting Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital on Sunday night.
Describing the incident, BJP tribal leader Bipin Debbarma said that TIPRA Motha men armed with machetes and countrymade guns attacked BJP supporters and also damaged 10-15 motorcycles and two cars.
State BJP media in-charge Sunit Sarkar told reporters that the TIPRA Motha’s lone minister, Animesh Debbarma, was looking into the issue, while BJP leaders were also trying to find out what led to the incident. Debbarma represents the Asharambari constituency.
For his part, TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma said in a Facebook video on Sunday, “I don’t want political violence in Tripura. If tribals keep fighting each other in the name of flags, one day flags will be all that’s left, land will be lost. You can do politics two months before elections. Till then, keep thansa (unity) as tribals. The fool thinks that money is more important than the future of our children. If anyone can do politics, they can do. Tell the truth with courage, expose what is happening in our state and whatever is wrong. But there is no point in fighting or being violent. Politely state your disagreements, if any. But why should anyone become violent? If a brother assaults another brother, then outsiders laugh at us. What are you fighting for? Some facilities, some policies…? My appeal to you is think of the future of your children. The politics of violence will not give us anything.”
