A day after Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath’s assurance to resolve 90 per cent of power issues, caused by Cyclone Remal, within the next 72 hours, protests broke out in different parts of the state over prolonged hours of electricity supply cuts. A large section of lawyers, affiliated with the Tripura Bar Association (TBA), on Wednesday blocked the road in front of the district and sessions judge court, in Agartala. They alleged that the court complex was unable to function without power for the last three days. Speaking to reporters, Tripura Bar Association secretary Advocate Koushik Indu said the regular activities of the court were hindered, and despite repeated efforts to bring it to the attention of the authorities, no steps were taken. "Different activities of the court have come to a grinding halt, including filing a petition which also needs a computer-typed document. This is of utmost importance. We were forced to take to the streets to draw the attention of the authorities," advocate Mrinal Kanti Biswas said. The agitation ended after power department officials arrived at the spot to address the issues. Protests also broke out in different parts of the state with people putting power department offices under lock and key at a few places. Many others took to road blockades, demanding immediate restoration of power supplies. Agitated locals put an electricity office under lock and key at Murabari area in Bishalgarh sub-division of Sepahijala district. The stir was withdrawn following assurance from the authorities to restore the supply. On Tuesday, Nath had assured 80 per cent restoration of power supplies in Agartala city by last night.
