IPFT members injured in attack by ‘BJP workers’ in Tripura

Guwahati (Assam), September 11, 2018:

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The cracks in the ties between BJP and ally Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) in Tripura are now wide open.

With just a few days left for by-elections to some panchayat seats, a group of IPFT members were attacked allegedly by BJP members and supporters in Sepahijala on Monday.

IPFT (youth front) general secretary, Shukla Ch Naotia, was among members of the party who were injured in the incident.

Narrating the incident, Naotia told InsideNE, “The whole incident took place on Monday afternoon when I and members and supporters of our party were heading to file nominations for the panchayat by-polls. While we were on our way, some people, whom we suspect to be of the BJP, attacked us”.

He said they had filed an FIR with the police and were planning to stage a protest against the attack.

Accusing the BJP of trying to make Tripura like Gujarat, he said the IPFT would never let that happen.

“I have informed (Assam minister) Himanta Biswa Sarma of the whole issue but haven’t received any feedback yet,” he added.

The National Federation for New States (NFNS) condemned the attack and dubbed it as a cowardly act by the BJP.

"NFNS feels that this cowardly act on the part of BJP is a serious blow against its coalition partner arising out of fear of increasing popularity of IPFT. NFNS demands that the Chief Minister and the Home Minister of Tripura must view the incident with all seriousness and not only publicly condemn it but also initiate strictest action against the perpetrators of the crime,” NFNS said in a press release.