Tensions escalated in Tripura’s West District on Sunday as violence erupted during a cloth distribution program organized by the BJP ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja festival. Four BJP workers, including the vice president of the BJP ST Morcha, and one journalist were seriously injured in an alleged attack by Tipra Motha Party workers in Hezamara under Mohanpur Sub-division.
According to BJP state general secretary Bipin Debbarma, the attack occurred during a social welfare activity and not a political event. “It was not a party program but a social program. The BJP leaders were distributing clothes for Durga Puja when suddenly Tipra Motha Party workers launched the attack. Four persons and a journalist were injured, with the vice president of BJP ST Morcha Mangal Debbarma sustaining severe head injuries and currently receiving treatment at GB Pant Hospital,” he explained.
Mangal Debbarma claimed that the attack was a result of Tipra Motha Party losing ground in the area. “We were distributing clothes for Durga Puja when around 12:10 PM at Hezamara, Tipra Motha goons attacked us. BJP members, including the booth president, were targeted simply because they belong to the BJP. The program had not even started,” he stated.
Former Chief Minister and MP Biplab Kumar Deb visited the injured victims at GB Pant Hospital and condemned the attack, attributing it to “anti-social elements” with a “wrong mentality” who must be punished. “I have directed for an FIR to be filed. This attack was not carried out by local MLAs or BJP leaders. One journalist was attacked, Mangal Debbarma suffered head injuries, and a woman was injured as well. I have spoken with Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya, who is currently in Singapore, and requested strict action,” he added.
The incident has sparked outrage among BJP members, who are demanding accountability and swift legal action against the perpetrators. The state administration has assured that the matter is being investigated, and measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This attack comes at a time of heightened political tensions in Tripura as both parties engage in social and political outreach programs across the state in the lead-up to the festive season.
