BJP, CPM supporters clash in Tripura, several injured, party offices attacked

Agartala: What is said to be the continuation of sporadic skirmishes between ruling BJP and opposition CPM supporters in two villages in Tripura has led to fresh violence and arson in which at least 10 people from both sides have reportedly been injured.

Seemingly lesser degree clashes between supporters of both parties were first reported in two villages of Sepahijala district which later spread to four more places, including Agartala where the CPM officers are said to have been ransacked.

Initially, the violence erupted at Udaipur in Gomati district, Bishalgarh in Sepahijala district and later spread to Hapania and Agartala's Melarmath area in West Tripura district. Apart from offices, several vehicles were also burned by the mob.

The tense atmosphere, however, remained volatile even after cane charging and bursting gas shells by police to bring the situation under control. Both parties later held press conferences to accuse each other of indulging in violence.

The offices of local newspapers Pratibadi Kalam and CPM mouthpiece Daily Desher Katha, and local TV channel PB 24 are also reported to have been targeted by a violent mob.

The CPM accused the BJP of attacking their supporters and officers without any The BJP workers attacked the Left youth supporters when they held a road blockade at Udaipur, alleged the CPM. At Bishalgarh, the party alleged, a group of BJP workers targeted the vacant CPM district headquarters, and set it on fire after vandalising it.