Tripura: Manik Sarkar’s convoy attacked, CPM sees BJP role

The convoy of Tripura former chief minister Manik Sarkar and some senior CPM leaders was attacked at Rastarmatha in Sipahijala district, 25 km from Agartala, on Friday evening 16 nov. They were on their way back to the state’s capital after attending a meeting to commemorate the November Revolution, police said. The CPM condemned the incident as “undemocratic and fascist” and said “BJP supported hooligans” were behind it. Sarkar and CPM leaders – including former finance minister Bhanulal Saha, Sonamura MLA Shyamal Chakraborty, former minority welfare minister Sahid Choudhury and Kamalasagar MLA Narayan Choudhury – were later rescued by the police and escorted back to Agartala.

“There was a hall meeting of CPM at the party’s Bishalgarh office from 1:30 pm till 4 pm today. After the meeting was over, Sarkar and other leaders of the party were on their way back to Agartala when they were reportedly attacked by a few men,” an officer on duty at the state police control room said.

Two associates of MLA Narayan Choudhury sustained minor injuries in the attack, the official said. He added that some of the vehicles in the convoy was damaged. A statement issued by the CPM’s state committee claimed that “BJP-supported hooligans” were behind the attack on Sarkar and his associates.
CPI(M) condemned the incident calling it “undemocratic and fascist”. Criticising the attack, BJP spokesperson Ashok Sinha denied any knowledge of the incident. Sinha and other opposition leaders called it “undesirable”.