Section 144 imposed in Agartala, many injured in clashes over demand for separate ‘Twipra land’

The IPFT, a tribal based party, today took out a procession in the city demanding 'Twipra land', a separate state for the tribals by curbing out the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) from the state.

IPFT supporters create law & order problem during rally demanding separate state.

Section 144 was imposed in Agartala after several people were injured in clashes between supporters and activists of Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) and local residents in different parts of the city, the police said.

“A group of people from the procession of IPFT attacked some persons at the heart of the town at Kaman Chowmuhai and ransacked some shops and set fire to some vehicles, apparently without provocation.

“This incident resulted in clashes and at least 17 people including women were injured,” SP (Police Control), Uttam Bhaumick said.

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Soon after the incident, DGP, K Nagraj and SP (West), Abhijit Saptarshi rushed to the spot with a large contingent of police and paramilitary forces brought the situation under control, he said.

Bhaumick said in one place the police had to resort to lathi charge to disperse the unruly crowd.

The IPFT, a tribal based party, today took out a procession in the city demanding ‘Twipra land’, a separate state for the tribals by curbing out the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) from the state.

Agartala (Tripura): IPFT supporters create rampage in the city demanding separate tribal state. pic.twitter.com/FIioIsFT2c

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 23, 2016

Some incident of violence & loss of property has happened in Agartala town. Additional Central paramilitary forces have been deployed:Police

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 23, 2016

Our 1st priority is to maintain law & order, proper enquiry will happen & culprits will be booked to justice: Police pic.twitter.com/rOzvLm0cZW

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 23, 2016

The tribal council constitutes two-third of the state territory and home to tribals who form one-third of the population.

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The ruling CPI(M) has condemned the activities of IPFT supporters and alleged it was a preplanned conspiracy to disrupt the communal harmony of the state.

“IPFT is trying to disrupt the communal harmony since long. Today’s incident was a preplanned and aimed at breaking the communal harmony and peace in the state. We appeal to all to maintain peace and calm,” the party said in a statement.

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