IPFT apologises for Agartala violence, but accuses CPI(M)

The Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPDT) today apologised for vandalism in parts of the city yesterday but accused the ruling CPI(M) of triggering the violence which led to a backlash by it's cadre.
At least 22 people including five police personnel were injured in clashes in different parts of the state capital yesterday after a section of processionists of an IPFT rally attacked people and damaged some shops.
SP, Police Control, Uttam Bhaumick said clashes had occurred when some miscreants from the procession had attacked people and damaged shops apparently without "any provocation".
Locals then attacked them and as a result 17 people and five policemen were injured.

The SP said, situation in the city is normal and government has re-enforced prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC and intensified patrolling to maintain law and order.
Apologising for the vandalism, President of IPFT, N C Debbarma today shifted the blame on ruling CPI-M saying it's activists had first pelted stones and bottles of beer from the roof top on the procession and then attacked them.

He said, some supporters of IPFT then hurled stones in retaliation and counter attacked with iron rods and as a result a motorcycle showroom was damaged and cameras of few photo journalists were also damaged.

Debbarma further alleged that it was a preplanned attack by some of the miscreants aided by CPI-M and demanded an inquiry by a sitting judge of a High Court to unearth the real fact of clash.
Meanwhile, Gana Mukti Parishad (GMP), the tribal wing CPI-M condemned yesterday's incident and alleged that the pre-planned attack was carried out by IPFT to disturb the peace and communal harmony between the tribals and the non tribals of the state.
"It is clearly understood that the attack was preplanned because the participants of the procession were carrying iron rods and they intentionally damaged shops and manhandled people including women," Secretary of the GMP and Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), Radhacharan Debbarma told reporters.

The tribal council constitutes two third of the state territory and home to tribals, who form one third of the population.
The Left Front is in absolute control of the tribal council occupying all the seats in the 30-member panel.