Agartala: The CPI(M) has criticized the BJP-led Manik Saha government in Tripura for denying permission to hold its ‘Martyrs’ Day’ observance at Birchandra Manu in South district.
The CPI(M) commemorates 13 victims, including 11 party leaders and workers, who were killed at Birchandra Manu on October 12, 1988, during the Congress–TUJS regime.
“This year, the party had sought permission from local police to observe the ‘martyrs’ day’ in memory of those who had been brutally killed on October 12, 1988. I have personally informed the DM and SP of the South district about the programme, but they did not give permission to the party,” CPI (M) Tripura secretary Jitendra Chaudhury said in a Facebook post on Sunday.
He stated that the BJP had no connection to the 1988 incident, as the party had no presence in the state at that time. “Unfortunately, the government has not allowed us to observe ‘Martyrs’ Day’ for the past five to six years, which reflects their disregard for democratic values,” he said.
Chaudhury alleged that one party office at Paticherra, close to Birchandra Manu, was set on fire on Saturday night, a day before the programme for remembering the martyrs.
He alleged, “The BJP workers had created a terror-like situation at Birchandra Manu on Saturday. A strong group of party workers went to Paticherri, poured petrol on the party office and set it on fire. Earlier, the party office was attacked by the ruling party people.”
ALSO READ: GST reforms have boosted revenue and strengthened economy: Tripura CM Manik Saha
However, the party marked ‘Martyrs’ Day’ across the state on Sunday by organizing various programmes, except at Birchandra Manu.
