Tripura: Ruling BJP restricts 2 tribal leaders’ activity

AGARTALA

: Apprehending violence, the ruling BJP in Tripura on Saturday advised its senior vice-president and tribal welfare minister

Rampada Jamatia

and another vice-president Patal Kanya Jamatia to restrict their movement in the tribal-dominated areas until the process of by-election is over. Both the leaders have been facing public outrage in the tribal areas for a week, and on separate occasions in the last two days they had to flee from BJP party meetings reportedly after organised protests and violent attacks on them.

Sources said the alleged protesters comprised villagers who accused the leaders of cheating people with false promises, lack of welfare for the tribal communities in the four years of BJP rule and abusive politics against royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarman. However, party insiders said the attackers included many BJP members who were upset with Patal Kanya Jamatia as she enjoyed privileged positions after switiching to the party, depriving many old-timers even after they have remained “loyal” for years. BJP sources said, “Following continuous protest against both the leaders and BJP Loksabha MP

Rebati Tripura

in the tribal areas, the state police have advised chief minister Manik Saha to restrict the movement of tribal leaders especially Rampada, Patal Kanya and Rebati for the next few weeks.” Saha has reportedly asked the leaders to stop their activities in the tribal areas until further instructions. The protest against BJP leaders would have an adverse effect on the voters in the bypoll-bound constituencies. Moreover, the agitations are gradually turning violent and there is an apprehension that they may break the amity between the tribal and non-tribal communities, party sources said.