BMS, BJP supporters' trade union clash; 4 injured

Four persons were injured here in a clash between activists of the RSS-affiliated labour union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and the Sramik Unnayan Jagaran Mancha, a local trade union of BJP supporters.

Workers of two organisations clashed at Nagerjala Motorstand here and the police resorted to lathi charge to disperse them, West Tripura Superintendent of Police Ajit Pratap Singh said.

"One of the groups blocked the Nagerjala Motorstand road and the second group gathered nearby. A clash ensued and we had to resort to lathi charge to disperse them. Four injured were hospitalised," the SP said.

Long distance buses and other commercial vehicles for passengers originate from Nagerjala Motorstand.

The BMS leaders claimed that "outsiders" had occupied trade union offices and tortured its supporters.

"A few outsiders gathered here since the past couple of days. They are neither drivers, nor conductors. They have tortured our members for supporting the BMS.

They must be evicted from the Motorstand premises or the BMS will again block the road, BMS Nagerjala Motorstand committee president Ajit Dey said.

However, Unnayan Mancha leader claimed BMS supporters attacked them several times in the past.

"We were sitting peacefully in our office when BMS activists blocked the road. Around two hours later, they attacked us," the leader, who didn't wish to be named, said.

BJP spokesperson Mrinal Kanti Deb termed the incident "unfortunate and undesired".

"The BJP doesn't have any affiliated trade union. I can't comment on clash between other organisations. But the police have taken proper action and I thank them," he said.

The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) is a trade union affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Sramik Unnayan Jagaran Mancha is a local trade union of BJP supporters who switched side from the Congress and the Trinamool Congress during the erstwhile Left Front regime.