Reported by Mrinal Kanti Banik
Agartala: Tension was reported in Kalibazar under West Tripura’s Bamutia Assembly constituency on Sunday after a group of people staged a black-flag protest as former Tripura chief minister and CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar arrived to attend a DYFI conference.
According to CPI(M) leaders, the protesters allegedly blocked Sarkar’s convoy, raised slogans and waved black flags as he was heading to the party’s Kalibazar office for the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) conference. The party alleged that the protest was backed by BJP supporters. These allegations were made by the CPI(M) and have not been independently verified.
Police personnel were deployed at the location as the demonstration continued. Sarkar’s movement was reportedly disrupted for some time before DYFI workers and other party members escorted him to the conference venue.
The CPI(M) also alleged that one of the vehicles in Sarkar’s convoy was attacked during the incident. According to the party’s account, the situation remained tense for around 40 minutes before the protesters dispersed.
Speaking to the media after reaching the venue, Sarkar questioned the police response and alleged that attempts were being made to disrupt political programmes organised by the Left in the state.
Sarkar said the number of protesters was relatively small and claimed that security personnel initially tried to prevent them from advancing towards his convoy. He said DYFI delegates subsequently reached the spot and helped escort him into the conference.
The former chief minister further alleged that similar incidents had occurred during Left party programmes elsewhere in Tripura and raised concerns over the state’s law-and-order situation. These claims were made by Sarkar and the CPI(M).
Meanwhile, some local residents reportedly linked the protest to allegations surrounding the Rose Valley financial scam, although the available reports did not provide details supporting that claim or establish who made the allegation.
The incident comes amid heightened political activity in Tripura ahead of the TTAADC Village Committee elections, scheduled for September 28. Political parties have recently exchanged allegations over intimidation, disruptions and the conduct of campaigning.
The situation in Kalibazar later returned to normal, with Sarkar proceeding with the scheduled DYFI conference.