Agartala, February 12: The nationwide general strike called by central trade unions on Thursday against the Centre’s labour and farm policies had minimal impact in Tripura’s capital, with normal life largely unaffected despite demonstrations by the CPI(M) and other Left organisations.
During peak office hours, traffic moved smoothly across major city roads, while markets, shops, government offices, banks, schools and colleges functioned as usual. Public transport services also operated normally, giving Agartala the appearance of a regular working day.
In support of the strike, the CPI(M) organised picketing at various locations in the city. Former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Leader of the Opposition and CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury, former MLA Ratan Das and other senior Left leaders took part in the protests. Security arrangements were tightened across the capital to ensure law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.
The strike was part of a nationwide call by 10 Central Trade Unions (CTUs), including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC. Several banking bodies, such as the All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA) and the Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI), had also extended support.
The unions are demanding the repeal of the four new Labour Codes notified by the Centre last November, which replace 29 existing labour laws. They allege that the codes impose stricter conditions on trade union registration and weaken workers’ rights.
Protesters also called for restoration of MGNREGS, revival of the old pension scheme, withdrawal of policies affecting civil services, and scrapping of the National Education Policy 2020. Despite these demands, the strike in Agartala remained largely symbolic.
