Tripura, April 1: Tension gripped Kamalpur subdivision on Wednesday after a road blockade allegedly staged by Tipra Motha supporters in West Lambuchhara turned violent, leading to clashes with police and TSR personnel and leaving several people injured.
According to reports, the unrest began when BJP-backed candidate Ananta Debbarma, contesting from the Halhali-Asharambari constituency, arrived in the area for election campaigning. Tipra Motha supporters allegedly blocked the road, preventing the campaign from proceeding smoothly.
When police and TSR jawans attempted to lift the blockade, they reportedly faced strong resistance, and the situation soon escalated into a violent confrontation. During the clash, bricks and stones were allegedly hurled at security personnel, injuring the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Kamalpur, a woman constable, and a total of 12 TSR jawans.
All the injured were immediately shifted to Bimal Sinha Memorial Hospital, Kamalpur, where they received primary treatment and were placed under observation.
Second Attack Reported at Srirampur
Soon after the West Lambuchhara incident, another major attack was reported at Ananda Bazar in Srirampur along National Highway 208, where vehicles carrying former minister and MLA Manoj Kanti Deb and BJP candidate Ananta Debbarma were allegedly attacked.
According to eyewitness accounts, several vehicles were vandalised in the attack, and at least three persons were injured.
Manoj Kanti Deb Alleges ‘Organised Attack’
Reacting strongly to the incident, MLA Manoj Kanti Deb alleged that a large group of armed miscreants attacked their convoy and deliberately disrupted their election campaign.
He said that they had first gone to Lambuchhara around 10:30 AM for campaigning, but due to the road blockade and resistance, they were unable to continue their campaign there. After that, they left for Srirampur.
According to Deb, after reaching Ananda Bazar, a group of more than 200 miscreants allegedly attacked them with sticks, sharp weapons, iron rods, and even firearms.
“More than 200 miscreants attacked us with lathis, sharp weapons, iron rods and firearms. Around five to six vehicles were vandalised, and both our candidate and I were targeted,” he alleged.
He strongly condemned the incident and questioned the role of the government and the State Election Commission in ensuring a peaceful election environment.
“In this situation, elections cannot be conducted properly. The State Election Commission has failed to create a free and fair atmosphere for the polls,” he said.
Deb further alleged that Tipra Motha supporters were repeatedly obstructing their campaign, tearing down posters and placards, and creating disturbances in multiple locations.
“They are creating every possible obstacle to stop our election campaign. Our posters and placards are being torn down, and our candidate has also been attacked,” he claimed.
He also accused Tipra Motha of promoting violence and intimidation in the region.
“Through you, I want to tell the people of the state that this has become a party of hooliganism. They do not treat people with respect. They speak in the name of the people, but they are attacking the very people they claim to represent,” he said.
The MLA added that they would soon approach the administration over the matter and demand strict action against those involved.
Heavy Security Deployed
Following the twin incidents, heavy police and TSR deployment has been made in the affected areas to bring the situation under control. As of now, the law and order situation in West Lambuchhara and Srirampur remains tense.
Authorities are yet to issue a detailed official statement on the incidents.
