Agartala, June 7: Pakhi Tripura Para in the Gandacherra subdivision of Tripura’s Dhalai district witnessed a violent clash on Friday night between workers of regional parties Tipra Motha and the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), reportedly over disputes related to the allocation of MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) work.
The long-standing rivalry between the local units of the two parties over MGNREGA-related job distribution escalated into violence, resulting in multiple injuries and extensive property damage. According to local sources, tensions had been simmering for weeks, and a heated verbal exchange on Friday evening quickly turned into a physical confrontation.
The clash led to the vandalism of several houses and vehicles in the area. Although police forces were deployed to control the situation, initial efforts failed to disperse the mob. Eyewitnesses allege that despite the presence of senior police officials, including the SDPO and the Officer-in-Charge, the law enforcement personnel were unable to act effectively to prevent the violence.
Several individuals sustained injuries and are currently being treated at a local hospital. However, the exact number of injured and the severity of their condition have yet to be officially confirmed by district authorities.
In a disturbing development, journalist Subrata Das, who was present at the site to report on the incident, was attacked by a section of the mob. The assault took place in full view of police officials, raising serious concerns over the safety of journalists and police inaction during such crises. Das is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital.
The incident has triggered outrage among local residents and press bodies alike, with demands for accountability and immediate action against those involved. An investigation into the clash and the attack on the journalist is currently underway.
