Manik Sarkar’s Convoy Attacked, CPM Blames ‘BJP-Backed Hooligans’

(Photo: IANS)

A convoy carrying CPM leader and former Tripura CM Manik Sarkar was reportedly attacked by miscreants on Friday, 16 November, with some vehicles getting damaged and two people being injured.

The incident took place after a Communist Party of India (Marxist) meeting was held in Tripura’s Bishalgarh (Sipahijala district) to commemorate the November Revolution, reported The Indian Express.

While returning to Agartala after the meeting concluded, the convoy was confronted by a group of men. Accompanying Manik Sarkar in the convoy were other senior leaders of the party, including former ministers Bhanulal Saha and Sahid Choudhury, and MLAs Shyamal Chakraborty and Narayan Choudhury.

A statement issued by CPM state office-bearer Rakhal Majumder blamed “a group of BJP-supported hooligans” for the attack.

“Manik Sarkar joined a hall meeting to commemorate November Revolution anniversary at Bishalgarh sub-divisional office today… A group of BJP-supported hooligans gathered outside the hall before the event started. They tried to dissuade participants from joining the event. After it (the meet) got over, they attacked party leaders who were returning home.”

CPM’s Rakhal Majumder, as quoted by <i>The Indian Express</i>

A visual posted by news agency ANI showed the vehicle of CPM MLA Naryan Choudhury being vandalised following a ruckus during the meeting. According to ANI, additional police force was deputed outside the Bishalgarh office following the incident.

Meanwhile, a BJP spokesperson claimed not knowing about the attack, while condemning it if it had happened. Calling for strict action against the perpetrators, BJP’s Ashok Sinha reportedly said, “It is undesired that a veteran leader like Manik Sarkar should face such incidents.”