Tension prevailed in Kalibazar under the Bamutia Assembly constituency on Sunday when BJP supporters staged a black-flag demonstration during former Tripura Chief Minister and CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar’s visit to attend a DYFI conference.
Sarkar had reached the CPI(M) party office at Kalibazar to participate in the conference when a group of BJP supporters reportedly gathered outside and raised slogans while displaying black flags. Police personnel were deployed at the spot as the protest briefly created tension in the area.
According to CPI(M) leaders, the demonstration continued despite the presence of police and temporarily disrupted the movement of Sarkar’s convoy. The party also alleged that protesters attempted to target the convoy, though the allegation could not be independently verified.
CPI(M) leaders questioned the role of the police and alleged that adequate security measures were not taken despite the presence of senior police officials.
Speaking to reporters, Sarkar alleged that supporters of the ruling party had attempted to disrupt the DYFI programme. He said the conference was held despite the protest and that he later interacted with party workers and supporters.
Sarkar further alleged that disruptions and attacks during CPI(M) programmes had become a recurring issue in different parts of the state. He also raised concerns over the law-and-order situation.
Meanwhile, some local residents claimed that the protest was connected to allegations related to the Rose Valley financial scam.
The demonstration and slogan-shouting continued for some time before the situation was brought under control by the police. No major untoward incident was reported from the area.
